Lavandula Stoechas 'Avonview'

Spanish Lavender 'Avonview'

Botanical Name: Lavandula stoechas 'Avonview'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean region
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A standout Spanish lavender loved for its silvery, aromatic foliage and deep purple flower heads topped with showy “wings” (bracts). ‘Avonview’ blooms over a long season in South Australia—bringing colour, strong fragrance, and pollinators to borders, low hedges and feature pots with minimal fuss.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6-1 m H x 0.6-1 m W
• Growth Rate: 25-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine silver-grey, highly aromatic leaves; new growth lighter silver-green, maturing to steely grey-green
• Flowers: Deep purple spikes with prominent lilac-purple bracts (“butterfly wings”), sweetly fragrant; main flush late winter–spring, with repeat blooms into summer–autumn if deadheaded
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen silvery mounds year-round; fragrant “butterfly” flowers from late winter into the warm months; tidy, grey-green structure through the cooler seasons
• Wildlife Value: Excellent nectar for bees and other pollinators
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant, Drought-Tolerant (once established), Coastal-Tolerant; Frost to light–moderate; Wind-Tolerant with some shelter; Clay-Tolerant only if very free-draining (avoid waterlogging)
• Planting Density: Shrub borders/low hedge: 30–40 cm apart (≈ 2.5–3 plants/m) for a tight line; 45–60 cm apart for a looser effect
• Pet Friendly: Use caution — may be mildly toxic if ingested (essential oils). Keep prunings away from pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hrs) is essential for best bloom and oil content (part shade reduces flowering)
• Soil: Very well-drained sandy or loamy soils; raised beds or gravelly mixes ideal; avoid heavy, wet clays
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8-12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10-14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry.
• Maintenance: Shear lightly after each flush to keep a tight dome and encourage rebloom; do not cut into old wood. A light, low-nitrogen feed in early spring is sufficient
• Lifespan: 5-8+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Prefers neutral to alkaline; excellent drainage is key

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low scented hedges to edge paths, drives and garden rooms
• Mass plantings for a Mediterranean look with olives, rosemary and grasses
• Feature pots near entries and outdoor seating to enjoy perfume and pollinators up close

Why You Will Love It

‘Avonview’ delivers months of bold, winged blooms, beautiful fragrance and year-round silvery structure—thriving in SA heat with minimal care. A compact, high-impact choice for borders, low hedges and containers.