Bountiful Gardens

'Primavera' Spanish Lavender

'Primavera' is a stunning evergreen shrub with aromatic, silvery-green foliage. It is best known for its unique flower heads: fat, pinecone-shaped purple bracts topped with whimsical, upright "wings" that look like little purple flags waving in the breeze.

Setting the Stage for Success

Soil & Fertilizer

'Primavera' loves a Mediterranean lifestyle: lots of sun and very little "fuss."

• The Soil: Drainage is the most important factor. Use a gritty potting mix (like a cactus or succulent blend). If using standard potting soil, mix in plenty of perlite or coarse sand.

• Feeding: This plant prefers "lean" soil. A single, light application of organic fertilizer in early spring is plenty. If you over-feed it, the plant will grow "leggy" and the scent will be less intense.

What to Expect & Time to Harvest

Because you are starting with a potted plant, your harvest begins immediately.

• The Bloom: Expect the first big flush in early spring. If you keep the plant happy, it will continue to produce "rabbit ears" well into the summer.

• Harvesting: Snip the flowers as soon as they reach their full purple color. The foliage can be harvested year-round for its scent.

Maintenance, Trimming & Troubleshooting

Keep it Beautiful

• Deadheading: This is the key to 'Primavera's' endurance. As soon as the "wings" on the flower head start to look brown or withered, snip the stem off at the base. This encourages the plant to put energy into the next round of buds.

• Pruning: After the main summer bloom, give the plant a light "haircut" to keep it in a neat, rounded mound. Never cut back into the old, woody stems that don't have leaves, as they won't regrow.

Pest Prevention & Troubleshooting

• Overwatering: If the silver leaves turn grey and the plant wilts, check the soil. If it’s wet, stop watering! Overwatering is the #1 cause of lavender death.

• Airflow: Spanish lavender likes to "breathe." Make sure your pot isn't pushed against a wall or crowded by other plants; good airflow prevents fungal issues.

Aroma & Culinary Delight

While Spanish lavenders like 'Primavera' are generally more resinous and "piney" than the sweet English varieties, they are still a delight for the senses.

• Aromatherapy: The scent is invigorating. Keep a pot near your patio seating and brush the leaves as you walk by to release the essential oils.

• Drying: The "rabbit ear" flowers look fantastic in dried arrangements. Hang them upside down in a cool, dark place to preserve the violet color.

• Crafts: The foliage is excellent for making aromatic "smudge sticks" or herbal sachets for your closets.

Pro-Tip: The "Morning Sun" Secret

For the brightest purple "rabbit ears," make sure your 'Primavera' gets plenty of direct morning sun. The cooler morning light helps the plant develop deep pigments without the stress of the midday heat, making the flowers look more vibrant and helping them last longer on the stem!