White Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba'
ABOUT
Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba', commonly known as white dwarf English lavender, is a compact and bushy perennial herb known for its aromatic foliage and flowers. The appearance of this plant is characterized by its silvery-green leaves that are narrow, lance-shaped, and slightly hairy, creating a soft, textured look. The leaves are evergreen, providing year-round interest even when the plant is not in bloom. The most distinctive feature of white dwarf English lavender is its flowers. The blossoms are pure white, contrasting beautifully with the foliage, and they are arranged in dense, spike-like clusters atop slender stems that rise above the foliage. These delicate flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant exudes the classic, soothing lavender fragrance that is quintessential to lavender varieties, making it a delightful addition to any garden where scent is prized. White dwarf English lavender has a mounded habit, with its stems and leaves forming a dense, rounded clump. The overall impression is one of a well-groomed, compact shrub that fits well in a variety of garden settings, including rock gardens, borders, and as part of a fragrant herb garden. It also performs well when planted in containers, where its charming appearance can be enjoyed up close on patios or balconies. Given its name, 'Nana Alba' suggests a smaller stature for this cultivar, focusing on the appealing nature of its form and coloring rather than its dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf White Lavender, Nana Alba Lavender, Miniature White Lavender, White English Lavender
Common names
Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as lavender, is generally not considered toxic to humans. It is widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and as an edible herb. However, ingesting large quantities of lavender oil or concentrated extract should be avoided as it can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or headache. Lavender oil should also not be applied to the skin undiluted, as it can cause irritation. Overall, the common lavender is safe when used appropriately.
To pets
Lavender is not typically toxic to pets. Some animals may experience a mild upset stomach if they ingest a significant amount of lavender plants. In general, pets do well with lavender in their environment, and the plant is sometimes used for its soothing effects on animals. Essential oils, including lavender oil, should still be used cautiously around pets as they can be more sensitive to strong scents and concentrated substances. However, in its plant form, lavender does not pose a significant toxic risk to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender 'Nana Alba' offers a unique visual with its white flowers and silvery-green foliage, adding contrast and interest to gardens.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant and soothing fragrance, which enhances the sensory appeal of the space it occupies.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Bees and butterflies are attracted to Lavender 'Nana Alba', supporting pollinator populations and biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, with limited needs for watering, fertilizing, or pruning.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers can be used to add flavor to baked goods, teas, and other culinary creations (excludes medicinal use).
- Landscape Versatility: The plant can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic Effects: Lavender, including Lavandula angustifolia, is commonly used for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help reduce anxiety.
- Sedative Action: Traditionally, lavender is used to improve sleep quality and assist with insomnia.
- Antimicrobial Activity: The essential oil of lavender has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Analgesic Properties: Lavender may help alleviate pain, particularly headaches, and may also provide relief from muscle or joint discomfort.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: It's suggested that lavender can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin when used topically.
- Mood Stabilizer: Lavender is believed to positively affect mood and may help combat depressive symptoms.
- Antioxidant Properties: Components in lavender oil have demonstrated antioxidant activity, which is beneficial in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: Lavender 'Nana Alba' can be used to create a soft, gentle dye for fabrics, especially wool or silk, imparting a pale lavender hue.
- Flavoring Agent: The flowers can infuse sugar or vinegar, providing a subtle Lavender flavor to culinary creations like desserts or dressings.
- Artistic Inspiration: Lavender is a favorite among artists and photographers for its aesthetic appeal, which can be a muse for paintings, drawings, and photography projects.
- Aromatherapy Crafts: Dried Lavender 'Nana Alba' can be incorporated into homemade candles, soaps, and potpourri for a calming fragrance.
- Bookmark Scenting: Dried sprigs can be placed inside books as natural bookmarks that leave a faint, pleasant scent on the pages.
- Drawer Freshener: Small sachets filled with dried Lavender 'Nana Alba' flowers can keep clothing and linens smelling fresh in drawers and closets.
- Greeting Cards: Lavender sprigs can be pressed and used to embellish greeting cards or stationery for an elegant, fragrant touch.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh Lavender flowers can be used to adorn plates and add a unique visual appeal to gourmet dishes.
- Natural Insect Repellant: Lavender 'Nana Alba' can be used as a natural way to ward off moths and other insects in the home.
- Sleep Aid: A small pouch of dried flowers placed under a pillow can help encourage relaxation and a restful sleep without relying on its medical properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lavender is considered to have cleansing and calming properties in Feng Shui. It can be used to bring a sense of tranquility to the home, and it is often recommended to place it in areas where relaxation is needed, such as bedrooms or meditation spaces. Its scent is also believed to promote a restful sleep and to reduce anxiety, thereby supporting overall well-being.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white flowers of 'Nana Alba', a variant of English Lavender, are often associated with purity and cleanliness, reflecting its pristine and delicate appearance.
- Calmness: Lavender is widely recognized for its soothing fragrance and is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Silence: The tranquil quality of the lavender plant symbolizes silence and peace, making it a suitable plant for meditation spaces and tranquil gardens.
- Devotion: Lavender has historical ties to devotion and loyalty, possibly due to its long-lasting scent and perennial nature.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, lavender symbolizes healing and the restoration of well-being.
- Protection: In folklore, lavender was believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, symbolizing protection and safety.
- Love: In various cultures, giving lavender to a loved one signifies deep affection and the desire for a lasting relationship.
WaterDwarf White Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba') prefers soil that is moist but well-drained, so it is important to water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions; less often in cool, cloudy weather and more frequently during hot, dry periods. A good method is to use a watering can or hose to slowly pour water near the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, with about 1 gallon of water per plant per watering session to ensure the roots are adequately moistened. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent root rot, especially if the plant is situated in ground that does not drain well.
LightDwarf White Lavender thrives best in conditions where it can receive full sun exposure. A spot that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for this plant. Ensure that it is not shaded by larger plants or structures during the prime daylight hours to promote healthy growth and optimal blooming.
TemperatureDwarf White Lavender is hardy and can endure a range of temperatures; however, it does best in temperate climates. It can withstand brief periods of frost but consistently cold temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) may damage the plant. The ideal growing temperature range for Dwarf White Lavender is between 60°F to 70°F. If grown in areas with harsh winters, it may require some protection or mulching to ensure its survival.
PruningPruning Dwarf White Lavender is essential for maintaining plant shape and encouraging new growth. Prune lightly in early spring as new growth begins and then more dramatically after flowering, typically cutting back by about one-third to one-half to prevent woodiness. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flowering, and if the plant flowers again in late summer, a second lighter pruning can be done after this second flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dwarf White Lavender thrives in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. A mix of one-third sand, one-third topsoil, and one-third compost works well for this plant.
RepottingThe Dwarf White Lavender should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container, ensuring ample room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Dwarf White Lavender prefers a dry atmosphere and does well in typical indoor humidity levels ranging from 40% to 50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dwarf White Lavender near a sunny window and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Dwarf White Lavender in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba', commonly known as White dwarf English lavender, begins its life as a seed, requiring well-drained soil and full sun for optimal germination. Seedlings emerge and establish a small rosette of leaves in the early stage of growth, which then expands as the plant matures. The plant benefits from a period of vegetative growth, during which it develops a woody stem and aromatic, silver-green foliage. It then enters the flowering stage, probably in its second year, producing spikes of white flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies in summer. After flowering, seed set occurs, and if conditions allow, these seeds may self-sow to produce new plants. Throughout the plant's life, which can last several years with proper care, it may undergo pruning and harvesting of flowers and leaves, eventually entering senescence and dying back, often after several years of growth and blooming cycles.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Lavender, specifically the 'Nana Alba' variety, can be propagated through several methods but the most popular method is through cuttings. Propagation should ideally be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To begin, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 4-inch (7.6 to 10.2 cm) piece just below the leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss or a well-draining potting mix. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and to place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and once the roots are established, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.
