How to Grow Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Ballerina'
shrubBallerina lavender is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its distinctive bicolored flowers that feature purple inner petals with white outer petals, creating a striking ballet-like appearance. This hardy, evergreen shrub grows 12-18 inches tall and produces highly fragrant blooms perfect for cutting, drying, and ornamental display. It's a pollinator magnet and adds elegance to borders, containers, and rock gardens.
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Example Ballerina Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ballerina Lavender
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ballerina Lavender
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung transplants develop root systems and produce initial growth. Foliage appears soft and silvery-green.
Water regularly until established (2-4 weeks). Avoid overwatering. Protect from extreme cold in first winter if in zone 5.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeks (spring to early summer)Plant develops compact mounded shape with silvery-green needle-like foliage. No blooms present yet.
Establish deep watering schedule. Full sun exposure is critical. Avoid fertilizing.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (June-August)Tall, slender flower spikes emerge from foliage, displaying the signature bicolored blooms—purple center florets surrounded by white outer florets arranged in whorls.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry. Cut stems for arrangements or drying.
Seed Set & Second Bloom
4-6 weeksIf deadheaded, plant may produce secondary bloom spike. If left unpruned, seed heads form and flowers fade to brown.
Continue deadheading for prolonged bloom. Allow some flowers to set seed for self-seeding if desired.
Dormancy
3-4 months (November-February)Plant reduces growth in late fall and winter. Foliage remains evergreen but may appear less vibrant.
Minimal watering. No fertilizing. Avoid pruning in late fall; prune in early spring. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick beetles; spray with neem oil in early morning or evening; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity by overhead watering (brief); spray with miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Improve drainage; reduce watering; ensure soil is sandy/gravelly; remove affected plants if widespread
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage predatory insects; remove infested leaf tips
Uses
Floral garnish & infusions
CulinaryDried Ballerina lavender flowers can be used to flavor teas, honey, and baked goods. The mild, sweet floral notes add visual interest to salads and desserts when used sparingly. [source]
Relaxation & sleep support
MedicinalLavender is traditionally used in herbal medicine to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Linalool and linalyl acetate in the essential oil have documented calming properties in aromatherapy. [source]
Dried sachet & fragrance
HouseholdDried Ballerina lavender flowers make excellent drawer sachets, pillow fillings, and closet fresheners. The long-lasting fragrance persists for months when stored in paper or cloth bags. [source]
Floral arrangements & crafts
CraftThe striking bicolored blooms are prized in dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and wedding décor. The upright growth habit and long stems make Ballerina particularly suited to formal designs. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeBallerina lavender is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flower spikes when 50-75% of florets are open for fresh arrangements; cut in morning after dew dries. For drying, cut when flowers are fully open, strip lower foliage, bunch stems, and hang upside down in warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering season. Prune lightly in early spring (March-April) to maintain compact shape; avoid cutting into old woody growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Ballerina' refers to the distinctive white 'skirt' of outer petals that surrounds the purple center florets, resembling a ballet tutu.
- 🌱 Lavender has been cultivated for over 2,500 years and was used by ancient Romans for bathing, perfume, and medicine; Ballerina is a modern cultivar released in the late 20th century.
- 🌱 English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is more cold-hardy than Spanish or French lavender species, making Ballerina suitable for cooler climates where other lavender types fail.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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