Lavendula stoechas “Otto Quast”

Spanish Lavender, French Lavender (UK)
Lavendula Stoechas “Otto Quast”
Type: Woody, Evergreen Perennial
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Moderate to Drought Tolerant

This woody, highly aromatic perennial forms a 2-3ft (60-90cm) wide and tall clump of greenish- silver foliage that is very fragrant when brushed or bruised. Flowers are dark purple, 2in (5cm) long cylinders at the top of leafless flower stalks, with a distinctive pair of lighter purple “wings” or “bunny ears” on top of each one. Old wood should be removed each year in early spring to keep the plant from getting overly woody; the plant can also be cut back by about a third to rejuvenate it. Lavender flowers for sachets, etc. should be harvested when the blooms start to turn purple. There are many types of lavender available, including the more widely recognized English lavender, with different growth habits and bloom color, but all attract bees and butterflies.

Cheers,

John