Lavender Lavandula 'Ballerina'
ABOUT
Lavandula 'Ballerina', commonly known as Lavender 'Ballerina', is a distinctive variety of lavender that is appreciated for its ornamental beauty. This plant is characterized by its striking flower spikes that feature a unique bract or "bunny ear" appearance at the top, which can be reminiscent of a ballerina's tutu. The flowers of the 'Ballerina' lavender are a soft, pale lavender color and are known for their delightful fragrance, which is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy. The foliage of the Lavender 'Ballerina' is typical of many lavender varieties, with slender, silvery-green leaves that are highly aromatic when crushed or brushed against. These leaves are narrow and lance-shaped and grow in a dense, shrubby form. The plant has a natural mounding habit, contributing to its popularity in gardens and landscapes. Overall, Lavender 'Ballerina' is prized for its distinctive flowers, soothing scent, and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor spaces. While meticulously avoiding any mention of its size, it's worth noting that this plant is often used for borders, containers, and as an accent in herb and flower gardens, where its beauty and aroma can be fully appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Ballerina Lavender
Common names
Lavandula 'Ballerina'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender is generally not toxic to humans. The Lavandula 'Ballerina' variety, like other lavender species, is commonly used in culinary applications as well as in aromatherapy without adverse effects. However, it's important to note that consuming lavender in excessive amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or central nervous system depression. In very rare cases, an allergic reaction might occur.
To pets
Lavender is not considered highly toxic to pets. While the Lavandula 'Ballerina', commonly known as lavender, is sometimes used in products designed for pets, ingestion of large quantities of the plant could lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Cats may be more sensitive to lavender, and if they ingest a large amount, they could exhibit signs of toxicity, such as nausea or difficulty breathing. However, these instances are unusual, and lavender is often used for its calming effect in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender-pink
Height
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lavender 'Ballerina' has striking flowers with a unique bi-color effect that can enhance the visual interest of any garden.
- Fragrance: It emits a pleasant, calming scent that is a staple in gardens for its aromatic qualities.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Low Maintenance: The plant typically requires minimal care once established, aside from occasional pruning and watering.
- Deer Resistance: Its natural fragrance and taste tend to deter deer, protecting itself and surrounding plants.
- Culinary Use: The flowers can be used to flavor dishes and drinks, making it a valuable plant for culinary enthusiasts.
Medical Properties- Relaxation: Lavender is commonly used for its soothing and relaxing effects which can aid in alleviating anxiety and promoting calmness.
- Sleep Aid: Due to its relaxing properties, it may help improve the quality of sleep and is often used to combat insomnia.
- Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: Lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be useful in treating minor burns, insect bites, and skin irritations.
- Pain relief: It is believed to have analgesic properties that can help alleviate pain, such as headaches when applied topically or inhaled.
- Respiratory health: In aromatherapy, lavender is used to help with respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Digestion: Lavender is sometimes used to help relieve symptoms of digestive distress like gas and bloating.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The flowers of lavender can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a soft purple or grey color, depending on the mordant used.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried lavender flowers are often used in homemade potpourri blends to provide a lasting fragrance for drawers and closets.
- Flavoring sugar: Lavender blooms can be layered within granulated sugar to impart a subtle lavender flavor for use in baking and sweetening beverages.
- Culinary decoration: Fresh lavender flowers can be used as an elegant garnish for desserts or cocktails.
- Homemade soap making: Lavender's essential oils and fragrance are frequently incorporated in natural soap recipes for their scent and potential skin benefits.
- Wardrobe freshener: Sachets filled with dried lavender can be placed amongst clothing to impart a fresh, floral scent and may help deter moths.
- Bookmarks or paper making: Dried lavender stems and flowers can be embedded into homemade paper or used as decoration for bookmarks.
- Natural pest repellent: Planting lavender in the garden can help deter deer and rabbits, as they are generally averse to the scent of lavender.
- Photography prop: Lavender's attractive blooms and distinctive form make it a popular choice for use as a photography prop or subject, particularly in garden photography.
- Relaxation crafts: Crafting projects, like making a lavender eye pillow, can be another way to utilize lavender for its aroma and purported relaxing effects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavender plant can be used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of calm and purification to a space. It is associated with the Metal element and can be placed in the home or office to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. The plant’s soothing fragrance is believed to help reduce stress and create a peaceful atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calm: Lavender is often associated with tranquility and serenity, as its scent is known to have calming and soothing properties that help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Purity: The clean and fresh fragrance of lavender suggests purity and cleanliness, making it a symbol of chastity and virtue in some cultures.
- Devotion: Due to its long-lasting nature, lavender also represents devotion and loyalty in relationships.
- Silence: The plant's association with peacefulness extends to silence and reflection, embodying an atmosphere conducive to contemplation.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the restoration of health.
- Protection: Some folklore suggests that lavender has the power to ward off evil spirits or negative energies, symbolizing protection and safety.
- Love: Lavender can signify love and romance, and was often used in love spells and potions in the past.
WaterFor Lavender 'Ballerina', it's essential to keep the soil moderately dry, as lavender plants do not like to be in overly moist soil. Water them deeply but infrequently, providing about half a gallon per plant every two weeks, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During the growing season, you may need to water more often, especially if you're experiencing hot, dry weather. However, in cooler months or when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once a month or less. Ensure the water reaches the roots and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
LightLavender 'Ballerina' thrives in full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is a south-facing location where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in areas where buildings, trees, or other structures will cast significant shade, as this will diminish flowering and may lead to weak growth.
TemperatureLavender 'Ballerina' prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It can withstand occasional dips down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from extreme cold. The ideal temperature conditions for lavender are when nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a moderate growing environment.
PruningTo maintain its shape and encourage robust, bushy growth, prune Lavender 'Ballerina' in the early spring just as new growth starts to emerge. Additionally, light pruning after flowering helps to promote a second bloom and prevents the plant from becoming too woody. Pruning is typically done once a year, but deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to enhance the plant's appearance and encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Ballerina' thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mix of one-third garden soil, one-third sand or grit, and one-third compost or organic matter is ideal. This composition ensures proper drainage while retaining enough nutrients for the plant's growth.
RepottingLavender 'Ballerina' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and prevent root crowding. Spring is the best time for repotting. Choose a pot only one size larger than the current one to maintain the right growing conditions.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Ballerina' prefers low to moderate humidity levels, as high humidity can lead to fungal diseases. Aim to maintain humidity levels below 50% for optimal growth, as lavender originates from the Mediterranean region which has a drier climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from harsh winters.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula 'Ballerina', commonly known as Lavender 'Ballerina', starts life as a seed that germinates in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. The seedling stage involves the emergence of the first true leaves and establishment of a root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a woody stem and a bushy form with grey-green foliage, preparing for the flowering period. The flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, is characterized by the production of tall spikes topped with distinctive mauve flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which can be harvested for propagation or left to self-seed in the garden. The plant will then enter a period of dormancy in colder climates during the winter, reducing growth and conserving energy, before resuming its growth cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavender 'Ballerina', commonly known as lavender, is most successfully propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is in the late summer, when the current year's growth has begun to harden but is not yet fully woody. To propagate, one would cut a 3 to 4 inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) length of semi-hardwood, ensuring that it includes at least one node. The leaves are then stripped from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cut end is dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Finally, the cutting is placed into a well-draining soil mix, and it's important to keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in a warm place with indirect sunlight until roots develop, which can take several weeks.
