Flower of the Day - Spanish Lavender (Lavendula stoechus)

Flower of the Day - Spanish lavender

Energetic properties - relaxing and calming

This type of lavender is often described incorrectly as French lavender, but is is origins are from Spain and the Mediterranean region. It's also known as bush lavender, Italian lavender, top lavender, topped lavender and wild lavender.

The purple tubular flowers are arranged in dense cylindrical clusters and the flowers are topped with up to five purple or violet bracts (modified leaves).

Spanish lavender thrives in dry conditions, which is great for gardens but not for the environment. Lavender stoechus is regarded as a significant environmental weed in Western Australia, parts of Victoria, and in South Australia, particularly the Clare Valley. There are now hybrid varieties available (such as Avonview) which are seedless and non invasive.