'LaVela Dark Violet' Spanish lavender is a dainty variety as far as lavenders go, forming a compact mound of gray-green, fragrant foliage about a foot tall and not quite as wide. Characteristic pineapple shaped, dark purple and violet flowers start appearing in late spring and keep going throughout the summer, acting as a beacon for bees and other pollinators. Drought-tolerant once established in the ground, 'LaVela Dark Violet' lavender adapts well to container planters and hanging baskets as well. The lavender fragrance tends to be off-putting to deer and rabbits, but humans can harvest both the leaves and flowers for potpourris and sachets.