Woolly lavender (Lavandula lanata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Woolly lavender on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Woolly lavender
Lavandula lanata, commonly known as Woolly Lavender, is a Spanish native lavender notable for its densely hairy, white foliage, giving it a silvery and velvety appearance. Its intensely violet flower spikes emerge in summer above this foliage, creating a striking contrast. It's ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as an ornamental potted plant, adding texture and a Mediterranean scent.
Native range
Western Mediterranean region (Spain and Morocco)
Care tips
It thrives in full sun, which is essential for abundant flowering. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is highly susceptible to overwatering. It requires very well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gravelly, and low in nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering or planting it in heavy soils, which quickly leads to root rot.
How to save a dying Woolly lavender
- Warning signs
- Gray, soft leaves; drooping stems. General yellowing without obvious cause.
- First aid
- Move plant out of direct sun. Check soil; if waterlogged, drain excess or repot. If dry, water lightly.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy. Constantly wet soil will quickly rot its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's very drought-tolerant, but not tolerant of waterlogging.