Lavandula stoechas ‘The Princess™’: A Stunning Addition to Your Garden

Lavandula stoechas ‘The Princess™’, commonly known as The Princess™ Spanish Lavender, is a delightful and compact variety of lavender. Renowned for its intense pink flowers and aromatic gray foliage, this evergreen perennial offers a long blooming season and is an excellent choice for containers, borders, and mass plantings. With its ability to attract butterflies and its resistance to deer and rabbits, ‘The Princess™’ is both a beautiful and practical addition to any garden.

Background and Plant Family

Lavandula stoechas, often referred to as Spanish or French lavender, belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes many aromatic herbs such as mint, rosemary, and thyme. Native to the Mediterranean region, Lavandula stoechas is well adapted to warm, dry climates and is celebrated for its unique flower structure and aromatic qualities. The Princess™ is a patented variety (PP25525) known for its particularly vibrant pink blooms, making it a standout among other lavenders.

Description

The Princess™ Spanish Lavender is a compact, evergreen perennial that reaches a moderate height and width of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). It features narrow, silver-green leaves that provide a striking backdrop to the bright pink flowers. The blooms appear heaviest in spring but can continue sporadically through the summer and even into the fall in favorable conditions. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also highly fragrant, adding sensory delight to any garden setting.

Care Instructions for Lavandula stoechas ‘The Princess™’:

Light: Lavandula stoechas ‘The Princess™’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
Watering: Allow the soil to go almost dry between waterings. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a robust root system. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Soil: This lavender prefers lean, loose, fast-draining, slightly alkaline soil. A gravel mulch can help improve drainage and prevent root rot. Plant with the crown slightly above the soil level to avoid waterlogging.
Temperature and Hardiness: ‘The Princess™’ is suitable for USDA zones 7 to 9, tolerating temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C). In cooler climates, it may be grown as an annual or in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
Pruning: Prune lightly after the main flowering period to maintain a dense growth habit and promote additional blooms. Avoid cutting into old wood, as lavender does not regenerate well from it.
Fertilization: Generally, lavender does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can support healthy growth and flowering.

Propagation

‘The Princess™’ can be propagated through softwood cuttings or seeds. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer generally yield the best results. Follow these steps for propagation:

Cuttings: Select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, water lightly, and cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Place in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until roots develop.
Seeds: Sow seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly cover them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take 2 to 4 weeks. Once seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant them to individual pots or directly into the garden.

Pests and Diseases ‘The Princess™’ is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can occasionally suffer from issues such as:

Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest lavender. Regular inspection and early treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can control these pests.
Diseases: Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Ensure proper planting and avoid overwatering to prevent this issue. Fungal diseases like botrytis can also affect the plant in humid conditions, so provide adequate air circulation.

Landscape Uses

Containers: Perfect for patio containers and window boxes, providing a splash of color and fragrance close to living areas.
Borders and Edging: Ideal for garden borders and pathways, creating a neat and aromatic edge.
Mass Plantings: Excellent for mass plantings or as a low hedge, offering a uniform and colorful display.
Herb Gardens: A valuable addition to herb gardens, providing both aesthetic appeal and culinary uses.

Conclusion

Lavandula stoechas ‘The Princess™’ is a stunning and versatile plant that enhances any garden with its vibrant pink flowers, aromatic foliage, and low-maintenance requirements. Whether grown in containers, borders, or as a mass planting, this Spanish lavender is sure to delight gardeners and pollinators alike. With proper care and attention, ‘The Princess™’ will thrive and bring beauty to your garden year after year.