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How to Grow Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba

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Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba

Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba'

shrub

Nana Alba is a compact, white-flowering cultivar of English lavender that typically grows 12-18 inches tall. This ornamental shrub is prized for its fragrant, silvery-green foliage and pure white flower spikes that bloom mid to late summer. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and small spaces where full-sized lavender varieties are too large.

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Example Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dwarf Lavender Nana Alba dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum (8+ hours preferred)
💧
Water: Drought tolerant once established. Water moderately during growing season; reduce watering in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.
📏
Spacing: 18 inches
📅
Days to maturity: Blooms first year from nursery transplants; 90-120 days from seed to flowering size
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; top of root ball should be level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly loam
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Gravel mulch to reduce moisture around crown Avoid heavy compost or organic matter

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Spring planting)

4-6 weeks

Young transplants with silvery foliage establishing root systems. Plant appears compact with minimal growth.

Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Protect from extreme heat in first month. Mulch lightly with gravel, keeping it away from the crown.

2

Vegetative Growth (Late Spring to Early Summer)

4-6 weeks

Plant fills out with dense, silvery-green needle-like foliage. No flowers yet; focus is on leaf production.

Reduce watering frequency as roots deepen. Provide full sun exposure. Light fertilizer (low nitrogen) can be applied in spring if soil is poor.

3

Bud Formation & Flowering (Mid to Late Summer)

8-12 weeks (June-August in most zones)

Distinctive white flower spikes emerge from foliage tips. Flowers are tightly packed and fragrant. Plant reaches full compact size.

Maintain minimal watering once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Do not fertilize; excess nitrogen delays flowering.

4

Post-Bloom & Fall Dormancy (Late Summer to Fall)

8-10 weeks

Flowering tapers. Foliage may take on slightly grayer tone. Plant prepares for winter dormancy.

Reduce watering further. Do not prune back heavily; this harms winter hardiness. Allow seed heads to remain for winter interest if desired.

5

Winter & Spring Renewal

12-16 weeks

Dormant or semi-dormant. Foliage may look dull but plant is alive. New growth emerges as temperatures warm.

Minimal watering. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot during wet winter months. In early spring, prune lightly (no more than 1/3 of plant) to maintain compact shape and remove any winter damage.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rosemary Santolina Catmint (Nepeta) Salvia Thyme Artemisia Russian Sage Coreopsis Sedums Ornamental grasses (Stipa, Festuca)

Avoid planting near:

Hydrangeas Rhododendrons Azaleas Hostas Moisture-loving perennials Shade plants requiring consistent moisture

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap in severe cases. Improve air circulation.

  • Handpick if possible; use neem oil spray in early morning or late evening. Usually not severe.

  • Prevention is key—ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. No reliable cure.

  • Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Usually temporary and not damaging to established plants.

Uses

🍳

Culinary flavoring and tea

Culinary

Lavender flowers add delicate floral flavor to baked goods, sugar, honey, and herbal teas. White flowers of Nana Alba are particularly attractive in culinary presentations. Dry flowers before use in food. [source]

💊

Relaxation and sleep support

Medicinal

Lavender is traditionally used in herbal remedies for anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. The essential oil and dried flowers are commonly used in teas, sachets, and aromatherapy applications. [source]

🏠

Fragrance and moth deterrent

Household

Dried flowers and sachets provide natural, pleasant fragrance to closets, drawers, and living spaces. The scent naturally repels moths and other fabric pests without synthetic chemicals. [source]

🎨

Dried arrangements and potpourri

Craft

The compact white flower spikes and silvery foliage are ideal for dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Nana Alba's dwarf stature makes it suitable for delicate crafts. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Lavender is an excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The extended blooming period provides sustained forage during mid to late summer. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For fresh use: Cut flower spikes in early morning after dew dries, just as flowers begin to open (maximum fragrance). For drying: Harvest when flowers are fully open but before petals fade; bundle and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks. For deadheading to promote bloom: Remove spent flowers regularly throughout summer by cutting just below the flower spike.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nana Alba is a superior cultivar for containers and small gardens because it reaches only 12-18 inches tall compared to standard English lavender varieties that often grow 24-36 inches or more.
  • 🌱 The name 'Nana' means 'dwarf' in many languages, while 'Alba' is Latin for 'white,' distinguishing this cultivar from purple and pink flowering varieties.
  • 🌱 Lavender has been cultivated for over 2,500 years and was highly valued by ancient Romans, who used it in bathing rituals and as a valued trade commodity—the name likely derives from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash.'

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Transplant
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