Lavandula stoechas ‘Otto Quast’

Otto Quast Spanish Lavender

Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 18 to 24 inches
Flower color: Deep purple with prominent pinkish-purple bracts
Foliage color: Silvery-gray to green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer, with possible reblooming
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate, prefers well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies

About this plant

Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast', or Otto Quast Spanish Lavender, is a beautiful evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant, aromatic flowers and attractive silvery-gray to green foliage. This cultivar features stunning deep purple blooms on upright spikes, topped with prominent pinkish-purple bracts that resemble rabbit ears, creating a striking visual display from late spring to early summer, with potential sporadic reblooming. The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the narrow, lance-shaped leaves provide year-round color and a pleasant fragrance.

Ideal for borders, low hedges, rock gardens, and containers, 'Otto Quast' also pairs well with other Mediterranean plants, making it a delightful addition to any garden. Its compact, mounding form brings lasting structure and Mediterranean character to sunny garden compositions.

Works well in

Mediterranean Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

Plant ‘Otto Quast’ along sunny pathways or near seating areas where its fragrance can be enjoyed as you pass. Repeat several plants to create a cohesive drift of purple, or combine it with rosemary, sage, and thyme for a layered Mediterranean-style planting.

Where to see it

This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.