Lavandula stoechas

Lavandula stoechas, the Spanish lavender or topped lavender (U.S.) or French lavender (U.K.), is a species of lavender native to the Mediterranean Basin.

Description

A shrub. It grows 0.6 m high. The stems are much branched. The leaves are greyish green. They are narrow or sword shaped and do not have teeth. The flowers are small. They are dark purple and 6-8 mm long. There are deep purple bracts at the end of the flower. These are 10-50 cm long.

Edible Uses

No edible uses are known for this plant.

Traditional Uses

The plant produces a dark golden honey. The flowers are used as flavouring. The leaves are used to flavour snails and rabbit in cooking. They are also used for a herbal tea.

Medicinal Uses

French lavender shares similar medicinal properties to common lavender (L. angustifolia) and yields more essential oil than that species, though of inferior quality. The flowers and their essential oil are antiasthmatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, and expectorant. Taken internally, the plant helps alleviate nausea. Used externally, the essential oil serves as an antiseptic wash for wounds, ulcers, and sores, and can also be used as a relaxing massage oil.

Distribution

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in rocky places and open pine forests. It is drought tolerant. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. Kyneton Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens 1

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, France, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Portugal, SE Asia, Sicily, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in almost any soil so long as it is well-drained and not too acid. Prefers a sunny position in a neutral to alkaline soil, growing well on chalk. When grown in rich soils the plants tend to produce more leaves but less essential oils. Grows well in a hot dry position. Established plants are drought tolerant. When growing for maximum essential oil content, the plant must be given a very warm sunny position and will do best in a light sandy soil, the fragrance being especially pronounced in a chalky soil. Hardy to between -5 and -10°c, it is often killed in severe winters in Britain. Plants are not very long-lived and soon become straggly unless pruned. Any trimming of the plant is best done in spring and should not be done in the autumn since this can encourage new growth that will not be very cold-hardy. Polymorphic. A good bee plant, also attracting butterflies and moths. The flowering spike has showy infertile flowers to attract insects at the top of the stem and small fertile flowers beneath. A good companion for most plants, growing well with cabbages. Lavender is typically harvested in mid to late summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Lavender flowers in late spring to summer, depending on the species and growing conditions. Lavender is a moderate grower, typically reaching maturity within 2 to 3 years. Plants usually grow to a height of about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm), depending on the species and growing conditions.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse, barely covering it. Germination usually takes 1–3 months at 15°C. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, and overwinter them in a greenhouse or cold frame before planting out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Take half-ripe cuttings of 7–10cm with a heel in July or August and root in a frame — most will root within a few weeks. Overwinter in a greenhouse before planting out the following late spring. Cuttings of 7cm with a heel can also succeed at almost any time of year. Layering is also possible.

Other Uses

Lavender is valuable for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, and works well as ground cover, hedging, or an ornamental plant. Its essential oils have pest-repellent properties, making it useful in organic farming. An essential oil extracted from the flowers is used in soap making, perfumery, and medicine. Flowering stems are best harvested for oil as soon as the flowers fade. The aromatic leaves and flowers are used in potpourri and as an insect repellent in linen cupboards, and also as a strewing herb in churches. Once stripped of flowers, the flowering stems can be bundled and burned as incense sticks. Lavender flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The plant's dense woody stems and leaf litter provide shelter and overwintering sites for invertebrates. Its strong scent acts as a natural pest deterrent, confusing and repelling moths, mosquitoes, and flies.

Notes

They are used in medicine. There are about 28 Lavandula species. It can be invasive.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Arabian lavender, Bofarull, Cantueso, Cap diase, Khzama, Karabas, Karabus otu, Karahan, Topped lavender

References (24)

• Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 400
• Bonet, M. A. & Valles, J., 2002, Use of non-crop food vascular plants in Montseny biosphere reserve (Catalonia, Iberian Peninsula). International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (2002) 53, 225–248
• Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 256
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 802
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 427

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