Lavandula latifolia aka Broadleaf Lavender

Lavandula latifolia is a shrub in the mint family. It is evergreen, which means it keeps its leaves year-round. People call it spike lavender or broad-leaved lavender. Its native range runs from Spain to northern and central Italy. It also grows wild in southern France. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows on dry hillsides, often over limestone.

This small shrub grows to about 1.3 feet (0.4 metres) tall. It grows at a moderate rate. Its leaves have a strong scent. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees, moths and butterflies carry pollen between the flowers. The plant is also self-fertile: it can use its own pollen. These insect visits give it value in gardens meant for wildlife.

Choose a warm site in full sun with good drainage. This plant will not grow in shade. It accepts sand, loam or clay if water drains well. It does best in light, warm soil that stays fairly dry. Neutral to alkaline soil suits it best. It accepts mild acid soil, but avoid more acid soil. Once well rooted, plants cope with drought and salt in soil. They also cope with winds from the coast. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 6–9. Rich soil leads to more leaves but less essential oil. Warm sun and sandy soil help it yield more oil.

Spike lavender suits planted beds and sheltered spots beside walls. Growers raise it for essential oil in southern France and England. Its flowers yield oil for soap, perfume and food flavouring. People also use it in products for animal care. It has a use in painting porcelain, too. The oil has uses that repel pests. This does not prove the shrub resists garden pests. The source text names no specific pests or diseases. Gardeners can grow it from seed, cuttings or layers. Young plants from seed or cuttings need protection through their first winter.

Small amounts of raw leaves can season a salad. Their strong scent makes them unfit to eat in large amounts. Flower oil also serves as a food flavouring. PFAF records healing uses for stems in flower and their oil. These include wound care, remedies for digestion and aromatherapy. It also notes effects on periods and possible ending of pregnancy. These uses do not prove that it is safe or helps. PFAF lists no known hazards. This does not prove that it is safe for pets.