Lavandula latifolia
Spike or Portuguese lavender has broader leaves and a strong camphor scent. Plants bloom in mid to late summer with pale lilac flowers on long stems. It thrives in hot, dry sites with very sharp drainage. Cold tolerance is moderate and varies by climate and site. This species is one parent of lavandin hybrids.
At‑a‑glance
Group/Class: Spike lavender
Height × spread: 20 to 32 in × 20 to 32 in (50 to 80 cm × 50 to 80 cm)
Bloom window: mid to late summer
Color & flower form: pale lilac spikes on long stems
Fragrance: 3 strong
USDA hardiness: varies by climate; commonly grown in zones 6 to 9
Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, western Mediterranean
Cut-flower notes: stems sturdy; more valued for oil than fresh cuts; fresh vase life varies
Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Broader leaves than true lavender
- Scent is more camphoraceous and pungent
- Blooms later than English lavender
- Handles heat and poor soils well
Strengths
- Heat and drought tolerant once established
- Long stems useful for drying
- Attractive to pollinators
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun and lean, very well drained soil at neutral to alkaline pH.
- Irrigate sparingly after establishment; avoid frequent light watering.
- Shear lightly after bloom to keep form.
- Ensure winter drainage; avoid heavy mulches around the crown.
Watch‑outs
- Less cold hardy than English lavender in severe winters
- Requires very sharp drainage to prevent rot
- Pungent scent may be intense indoors
Best uses (tags)
herb gardens; dry slopes; pollinators; drying; informal hedges
Provenance note
Native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France; widely used in oil production and as a parent of lavandin.
References
- RHS profile: Lavandula latifolia
- Kew Science POWO: Lavandula latifolia
- UT Gardens (University of Tennessee): Lavender overview mentioning Portuguese lavender
- ASPCA: Lavender plant toxicity
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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