Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) Lavandula latifolia
Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) (Lavandula latifolia) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Western Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy). It grows 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 40 cm–1 m (16 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: oil, flowers
Lavender oils (linalool, camphor) are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; spike oil is high in camphor.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender)
- How far apart should I plant Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender)?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) flower?
- From about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Lavender oils (linalool, camphor) are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; spike oil is high in camphor.
- What grows well with Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spike lavender (broad-leaved lavender). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora iberica, Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC (Madrid)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Broader grey leaves than English lavender and long, branched flower stems that open later in summer, with a sharp camphor scent. One parent of lavandin (L. × intermedia). Distilled for spike oil in Spain.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare