Desert Lavender
Hyptis emoryi
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Shrub |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Pollinators | Bees |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
4-6 × 3-5 |
| Flowering Season | February-November |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 25 °F |
| Leaf Description | Wrinkly, covered in small light hairs, very fragrant |
| Fruit | Tiny brown seeds in hairy capsules |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 500-4000 ft. |
| Description | Desert Lavender is a wiry shrub with silver leaves, plus the square stems and opposite leaves characteristic of the mint family. This airy plant can reach 4-6 feet in height and develops spikes with whorls of light purple blooms. The foliage has a strong aroma of lavender, and can be harvested and utilized for the same purposes as Eurasian lavenders. Note that this plant generally occurs on sandy, gravelly soils with excellent drainage, plants will tend to develop slowly and less vigorously when planted in heavy clays, so planting in well drained locations, on mounds, or in soil amended for drainage is ideal. This plant looks good clustered in mass plantings, or interspersed with darker foliaged shrubs as an accent. Keep in mind that Desert Lavender is frost sensitive, so plant in a warm location, these plants are most appropriate for gardens under 4,000' |
