Lavandula stoechas 'The King' (The King Lavender)

Lavandula stoechas 'The King', commonly known as The King Lavender, is a compact, highly ornamental lavender variety prized for its large deep-purple flower heads, vibrant purple bracts, and long flowering season. This improved form of Spanish Lavender is renowned for producing an abundance of showy blooms that create a spectacular display of colour from spring through autumn.

Its aromatic silver-green foliage provides year-round interest, while the distinctive flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The King Lavender combines excellent garden performance with a compact growth habit, making it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, containers, courtyards, and mass plantings.

With its drought tolerance, fragrance, and low-maintenance nature, The King Lavender is a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Key Features

Large deep-purple flower heads

Long flowering season

Highly fragrant foliage and flowers

Excellent bee and pollinator attractor

Compact growth habit

Ideal for borders and containers

Drought tolerant once established

Low-maintenance and easy to grow

Growth Habit and Size

The King Lavender forms a dense, rounded evergreen shrub with fine silver-green foliage and upright flowering stems.

Mature plants typically reach between 60cm and 90cm in height and width, creating a compact and tidy appearance.

Growth is moderate, with regular flowering throughout the warmer months.

Its naturally rounded habit makes it suitable for formal plantings, edging, and decorative containers.

Care Requirements

Light

Performs best in full sun.

At least six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended for maximum flowering and healthy growth.

Watering

Water regularly during establishment.

Once established, The King Lavender is highly drought tolerant and prefers drier conditions.

Allow soil to dry between watering and avoid excessive moisture.

Soil

Requires well-draining soil.

Performs best in sandy, gravelly, or free-draining soils.

Poor drainage is the most common cause of plant decline.

Temperature and Humidity

Thrives in temperate and Mediterranean-style climates.

Tolerates heat and dry conditions well.

Good air circulation is important in humid environments.

Light frost is generally tolerated.

Maintenance

Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage repeat flowering.

Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact shape.

Avoid cutting heavily into old woody growth.

Apply a low-phosphorus fertiliser during spring if required.

Ensure good drainage is maintained year-round.

Common Issues

Poor Flowering

Usually caused by insufficient sunlight or excessive fertiliser.

Yellowing Foliage

May indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Woody Growth

Natural with age but can be reduced through regular light pruning.

Root Rot

Most commonly associated with poorly drained soils and excessive watering.

Pest Problems

Generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

Applications

Suitable for:

Cottage gardens

Mediterranean-style gardens

Border planting

Mass planting

Rock gardens

Container planting

Pollinator gardens

Courtyard gardens

Commercial landscapes

Its vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage make it one of the most popular lavender varieties for Australian gardens.

Specification and Care Chart

FAQ

How large does The King Lavender grow?

Most mature plants reach between 60cm and 90cm in height and width, forming a dense rounded shrub.

When does The King Lavender flower?

Flowering typically occurs from spring through autumn, with repeat flowering encouraged by deadheading spent blooms.

Does The King Lavender need full sun?

Yes. Full sun is essential for healthy growth, strong flowering, and maintaining a compact habit.

Is The King Lavender drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and prefers relatively dry growing conditions.

Can The King Lavender be grown in pots?

Yes. It performs very well in containers provided excellent drainage is maintained.

Why is my lavender turning yellow?

Yellow foliage is usually caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil.

Does The King Lavender attract bees?

Yes. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Is The King Lavender low maintenance?

Yes. It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established.