Branching stems carry several panicles of lavender-coloured blooms above heavenly-scented evergreen leaves: spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) is the lavender for dry rock walls and crevices, and an excellent source of dried flowers. It is the least hardy of the European lavenders, so give it full sun and fast-draining soil and it will reward you with fragrance.
| Name | Lavandula latifolia |
|---|---|
| Former name | Lavandula spica |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Type | Herbaceous sub-shrub |
| Height | 1 to 2½ feet (30-80 cm) |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil | Ordinary, well-drained |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Blooming | Early summer to early autumn (weather-dependent) |
This type of lavender produces many fragrant flowers that branch out from heavenly-scented leaves. Excellent for dried flowers.
Spike lavender is excellent for rock walls, rock gardens, and nooks and crannies in an old stone wall. It will also do great in well-draining planters.
Spike lavender grows best in hot and dry climates.
Heat isn’t a problem, since the plant can cope with summers hotter than 110°F (45°C).
However, freezing might be an issue: spike lavender can’t take temperatures much lower than 20°F (about -5°C). It has been seen to survive colder temperatures, though, down to 5°F (-15°C), but this was typically for winterized plants.
Drainage, drainage, drainage! Spike lavender loves well-draining soil.
It is especially vulnerable to root rot. This disease is triggered by stagnant water around the roots.
Secondly, it’s important to keep the soil from being too acidic.
Spike lavender will easily grow from seed.
Spike lavender, unlike Lavandin, is a fertile species. Bees and butterflies such as the cute “large white” pollinate it as they reach for nectar in each individual flower.
Spike lavender is only one of several lavenders named on this page, and they do not all suit the same climate. Use the table below to check whether your garden is dry enough, and mild enough, for spike lavender before you plant it.
| Lavender | Best suited to | Hardiness and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) | Hot, dry climates; rock walls, rock gardens and crevices | Least hardy of the European lavenders; unhappy much below 20°F (-5°C) |
| Spike lavender in winter protection | Gardens with occasional harder frost | Has been seen down to 5°F (-15°C), but only on winterized plants |
| Fringed lavender (Lavandula dentata) | Humid climates with frequent rain | The better choice where high air moisture favours disease |
| English lavender and French lavender | Colder gardens than spike lavender will accept | Listed among the hardier lavenders |
| Lavandin | Colder gardens; not for seed-saving | Hardier than spike lavender, but not a fertile species |
If your summers are hot and your soil drains fast, spike lavender is the one to choose.
Usually this isn’t a concern:
Too much watering will make the lavender’s fragrance more bland.
There is no need to provide any form of fertilizer.
Best is to prune when winter starts giving way to spring.
Spike lavender pruning is identical to that of other types of lavender.
Key takeaways:
Here is a complete page on how to prune lavender.
During Ancient Roman times, lavender was used to scent water. Extracts from flowers and leaves gave fragrance to bathing water in the traditional “therms”. The latin name of lavender, “lavandula” means “to wash”.
The flower stems often branch out to bear several panicles of lavender-colored blooms. Unlike French and Spanish lavender, there aren’t any winglets at the tips of each flower.
Curiously, “spike” lavender has nothing to do with spikes or thorns. It’s derived from an old scientific name for the plant, Lavandula spica.
This is because spike lavender is also, quite often, the home of European asp. Asp, or aspic, is a small viper that grows almost two feet long. It’s very toxic if it bites you!
Caution: Although shepherds of old would use spike lavender to treat snake bites, it’s crucial to reach a clinic or hospital as fast as you can!
Read more about lavender:
Planting lemongrass near your spike lavender will help repel snakes, as will using (again) shale mulch: the sharp edges and heavy material will discourage snakes from nesting nearby.
Spike lavender is one of the least hardy European lavenders and can typically only tolerate temperatures down to about 20°F (-5°C). While some winterized plants have survived colder temperatures down to 5°F (-15°C), it is not reliably cold-hardy and may not survive freezing winters in most climates.
Spike lavender in pots should be watered once a fortnight (every two weeks). In-ground plants rarely need watering except just after planting or during dry spells lasting more than a couple weeks, but potted plants require regular watering.
The article does not specify how long spike lavender takes to reach maturity or first bloom. It only notes that blooming occurs from June-September (weather-dependent) once established.
Spike lavender produces flowers and leaves that are heavenly-scented and fragrant. The leaves and flowers contain more camphor during hot, dry years, and lavender grown without irrigation has higher essential oil content, making the fragrance more potent than over-watered plants.
Spike lavender should be pruned in early spring when winter frosts have passed. Prune by cutting branches bearing leaves without cutting into old wood (which won’t regrow), and always leave a few leaves on the stem.
