Desert lavender (Condea emoryi) is a fast-growing, aromatic shrub prized for its silvery-white, lavender-scented foliage and vibrant purple flowers, which can bloom year-round. Its fuzzy leaves and stems add texture to gardens, and it forms a dense, upright bush that can reach up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
As a semi-deciduous plant, desert lavender may drop some of its leaves during the heat of summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes. While highly drought-tolerant, it can handle occasional summer watering, about once a month.
This versatile shrub can be pruned into a hedge, with pruning ideally done in summer or fall. desert lavender is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators, making its fragrant flowers a favorite for hummingbirds and bees.