'Chica Rose'
Dwarf Spanish Lavender
"Down gust-sweet walks, bordered by lavender,
While eastward, westward, the mad swallows whir,
All afternoon poring thy missal fair,
Serene thou pacest there."
-Lizette Woodworth Reese
(1856-1935)
(1856-1935)
Lavandula stoechas'Chica Rose' is similar in color to another Spanish Lavender called 'Kew Red,' with pinkish purple flowers & such pale pink rabbit ears that they are almost white, with red-maroon veining. 'Chica Rose' is half the size of 'Kew Red' with more compact folliage.
The new Chica series are all dwarf Spanish Lavenders, & besides 'Chica Rose' there is also 'Chica Light Pink,' 'Chica Purple,' & 'Chica White.' The spikes of flowers reach a foot tall at most, & the dense tight foliage is shorter still.Flowering begins mid to late May, in fullest display by mid-June (which is a bit later than most cultivars), & lasts well beyond the first frosty days of autumn. The late May photograph shows flowers not quite matured; the second photo is mid-June.
It is almost entirely care-free, except for wanting a spring trimming before new growth, to keep it compact & tidy.
It will thrive for several years but will eventually become woody & worn out. Replacement plants are easily started from summer cuttings.
It prefers a low-nitrogen poor light soil with sharp drainage, such as along a rocky ledge or a xeriscape garden. If it is grown in richer humusy soil, it will tire sooner, without any added benefit in the meantime.
Ours grows along a stone ledge at the front of a Rosa rugosa garden, in full sun facing the bay.