Lavandula latifolia
Lavandula latifolia
Spike Lavender
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Description
Lavandula latifolia, also called spike lavender, is a sun-loving Mediterranean subshrub with broader leaves and camphor-scented blooms. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and adored by bees—great for dry gardens and containers if drainage is sharp.
Common Names
Spike LavenderBroadleaved LavenderPortuguese Lavender
Context
nativeRegion
Western Mediterranean: chiefly Spain, Portugal, and southern France
usdaZones
7–9
companionPlants
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Thyme (Thymus spp.), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus), Catmint (Nepeta spp.), Yarrow (Achillea spp.), Rockrose (Cistus spp.)
culturalUses
Source of spike lavender essential oil (camphor- and cineole-rich) used in perfumery, aromatherapy, traditional herbal remedies (expectorant/decongestant), natural cleaning, insect-repellent sachets, and historically as a painters’ solvent.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–8+ hours). Best flowering and oil content in strong, direct light.
WateringWater deeply but infrequently. Keep soil mostly dry; allow top 1–2 in to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established.
SoilVery well-drained, lean, sandy or gritty soil; pH neutral to alkaline (6.5–8). Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged sites.
FertilizerFeed sparingly. Light compost or low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer in spring; overfeeding reduces fragrance and longevity.
HumidityPrefers dry air and excellent airflow; avoid persistently high humidity.
TemperatureThrives in warm, dry conditions. Ideal 60–85°F (16–29°C). Hardy roughly USDA 7–9; protect from prolonged wet cold and hard freezes.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen to semi-evergreen woody subshrub with upright, branching flower spikes; mounding, airy form.
Mature Size18–36 in tall (45–90 cm), 18–30 in wide (45–75 cm).
Growth RateModerate growth in warm, sunny conditions.
BloomingMid to late summer; pale lilac to lavender flower spikes with a camphorous fragrance that attracts pollinators.
DormancyEvergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen with slowed growth in winter, possible dieback in colder zones.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Layering
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonLate spring to summer for cuttings; early spring for seed.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningShear lightly after bloom to shape and prevent legginess; remove spent flower stalks. Avoid cutting into old woody stems. Light tip-prune in spring.
RepottingIn containers, refresh into a gritty, fast-draining mix every 1–2 years; root-prune lightly to maintain size.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient; watch for spittlebugs, aphids, and mites. Root rot (Phytophthora) and fungal spots in poorly drained or humid conditions; ensure airflow and drainage.
ToxicityMildly toxic to pets if ingested (linalool/linalyl acetate); may cause GI upset. Generally safe to handle; essential oil is concentrated—use with care.
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