shrub

Spike Lavender

The Story

Plant Bio

Lavandula latifolia, known as spike lavender, is an evergreen, woody-based subshrub native to the western Mediterranean that forms a spreading, mounded clump of grey-green foliage. The broad, lanceolate leaves are wider than those of narrow-leaved lavenders and carry a dense, silvery pubescence.

This species is distinguished by its pale lilac to violet-blue flowers carried in slender, interrupted terminal spikes on long, often branched stalks. The broader, silver-green leaves provide a distinct, coarse-textured foliage display compared to narrow-leaved lavender species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides structured, silvery-grey foliage year-round with tall, elegant spikes of violet-blue flowers in summer.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and naturally resistant to browsing deer and rabbits due to aromatic foliage.

Attracts a wide variety of native bees, honeybees, and butterflies to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with light, sandy, or stony soil that provides exceptional drainage.
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and prevent humidity-induced fungal issues.
Water sparingly after planting, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in spring after new growth emerges, cutting back only to active green nodes to shape the mound.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, leafless brown wood, as it lacks the nodes to regenerate and will leave permanent bare patches. Avoid applying rich organic fertilizers or heavy mulches, which trap moisture around the crown and trigger fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in raised beds or gritty, stony soils to guarantee pristine drainage.
Prune spent flower spikes immediately after summer blooming to maintain a tidy shape.
Ensure the crown of the plant sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent water pooling.

Don't

Do not apply heavy organic mulches directly against the woody crown of the plant.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils, which causes sudden wilting and root collapse.
Do not cut back into old, brown, leafless wood when pruning.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mediterranean GardensRock GardensDry BordersGravel GardensCoastal GardensHerb Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spike Lavender questions

What zones can Spike Lavender grow in?

Spike Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spike Lavender deer resistant?

Yes — Spike Lavender is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Spike Lavender bloom?

Spike Lavender typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spike Lavender need full sun?

Spike Lavender does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Spike Lavender drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spike Lavender handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.