Among the lavender family, Anouk Spanish Lavender stands out like a small celebration on a stem. With its silvery foliage, deep purple flower heads, and signature “rabbit ear” bracts fluttering at the top, Anouk brings both elegance and personality to the garden. It is a new favorite here on the farm not only for its looks, but for its resilience and versatility.

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A Brief History of Spanish Lavender

Spanish lavender, botanically known as Lavandula stoechas, traces its origins to the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain, Portugal, and parts of North Africa. Unlike English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), which became famous for perfume and culinary use, Spanish lavender was traditionally valued for its ornamental beauty and its ability to thrive in harsher, drier climates.

Anouk is a refined cultivar developed in France, bred for compact growth, long blooming periods, and improved cold tolerance compared to older Spanish lavender varieties. It has since become a popular choice for home gardens, farms, and landscape designers who want Mediterranean charm with dependable performance.

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Uses of Anouk Spanish Lavender

 

Ornamental & Landscape Use

Anouk truly shines as an ornamental plant. Its dramatic flower heads bloom early in the season and often rebloom multiple times, providing months of color. It works beautifully:

• In garden beds and borders

• As a low hedge or mass planting

• In containers and patio pots

• As a focal point in pollinator gardens

   

Bees and butterflies are especially drawn to its vibrant blooms, making it a lively addition to any landscape.

 

Aromatic & Decorative Uses

Spanish lavender has a bolder, more camphor-forward fragrance than English lavender. While it is not typically used for culinary purposes, it excels in:

• Dried wreaths and arrangements

• Sachets and decorative bundles

• Farm displays and seasonal décor

The flower heads dry well and retain their shape, making them ideal for long-lasting decorative uses.

 

Garden & Lifestyle Appeal

Because Anouk blooms earlier than many other lavenders, it brings a sense of renewal to spring gardens. Its unique look adds texture and movement, offering a fresh contrast to more traditional lavender varieties.

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How to Care for Anouk Spanish Lavender

Anouk is relatively low maintenance when given the right conditions. Think sunshine, good drainage, and a light hand.

 

Sunlight

Full sun is essential. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day for best flowering and compact growth.

 

Soil

Excellent drainage is critical. Anouk prefers:

• Sandy or gravelly soil

• Slightly alkaline to neutral pH

• Raised beds or mounded planting areas if soil is heavy

Avoid rich, moisture-retaining soils, which can lead to root rot.

 

Watering

Once established, Anouk is drought tolerant.

• Water regularly during the first growing season

• After establishment, water only when the soil is fully dry

• Overwatering is the most common cause of failure

   

Pruning

Light but regular pruning keeps plants tidy and encourages reblooming.

• Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season

• After flowering flushes, trim back about one-third of the plant

• Avoid cutting into woody stems

   

Winter Care

Anouk is more cold-tolerant than many Spanish lavenders but still appreciates protection.

• Plant in well-drained soil

• Avoid heavy winter mulch

• In colder regions, container plants can be overwintered in a sheltered area

 

🌡️ Cold tolerance at a glance

• Survives outdoors to about 10–15°F (-12 to -9°C) at best

• Safest USDA zones: Zone 8–10

• Marginal survival: Zone 7 with excellent drainage and protection

• Unreliable / high risk: Zone 6 and colder

   

Why cold isn’t the only issue

For Anouk, cold + wet is far more dangerous than cold alone. Winter root rot, not freezing air, is the usual culprit in losses.

It survives cold best when:

• Soil drains fast (sandy or gravelly)

• Roots stay dry in winter

• Plants are not heavily mulched

• They are protected from winter wind and freeze–thaw cycles

   

What happens in colder zones (like much of Maryland)

• In mild winters, Anouk may overwinter successfully in-ground

• In average or harsh winters, losses are common

• Snow cover can help, but winter rain often hurts more than snow helps

 

Best practices if you’re pushing the zone

If growing outdoors near its cold limit:

• Plant on a slope, raised bed, or mound

• Avoid fall pruning

• Skip heavy mulch (gravel is better than bark)

• Shelter from north and west winds

• Consider container growing so plants can be moved to a protected area

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Why We Love Anouk on the Farm

Anouk Spanish Lavender offers the best of both worlds: striking beauty and dependable performance. Its early blooms signal the start of the lavender season, its long flowering period delights visitors, and its resilience makes it a joy to grow. Whether planted in the ground or showcased in containers, Anouk brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth and whimsy to any garden.

 

If you are looking for a lavender variety that is bold, expressive, and beautifully different, Anouk Spanish Lavender is a standout choice worth growing and enjoying.

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By S. King with ChatGPT assistance, 1/12/26

© 2026 S. King, Wildwood Lavender Farm LLC