How to Grow Nana Alba Lavender
Nana Alba Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana Alba'
shrubNana Alba is a compact dwarf lavender cultivar known for its pure white flowers and delicate fragrance. It grows to only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small spaces. This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators while repelling some garden pests.
When should you plant Nana Alba Lavender in your zone?
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Example Nana Alba Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nana Alba 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 Nana Alba Lavender
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nana Alba Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung transplant with developing root system and compact foliage growth
Water regularly to establish roots. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Avoid fertilizing.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops dense, fine-textured gray-green foliage reaching mature compact size
Maintain moderate moisture until established. Reduce watering as plant matures. No fertilizer needed on poor soils.
Flowering
6-8 weeks (or longer with deadheading)Pure white flower spikes bloom profusely, typically 2-4 inches tall above foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming season. Reduce watering to minimal levels. Avoid overhead watering.
Post-bloom & Winter Dormancy
Dormancy varies by zoneFoliage persists through winter; plant enters dormancy in cold climates
Light pruning after bloom if needed. Do not heavily prune in fall. In zones 5-6, provide winter protection with mulch around (not covering) base.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected stems; encourage natural predators; generally not severely damaging
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Spray foliage with water; increase humidity; use miticide if severe
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Prune infested branches; apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season
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Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering
Uses
Lavender-infused oils and honey
CulinaryWhite lavender flowers add delicate floral notes to oils, vinegars, and honey for cooking and baking applications. [source]
Relaxation and aromatherapy
MedicinalDried flowers and essential oils from lavender have been traditionally used to promote calm, reduce anxiety, and support sleep quality. Commonly used in teas, sachets, and diffusers. [source]
Natural fragrance and moth deterrent
HouseholdDried lavender flowers placed in closets, drawers, and storage areas provide pleasant fragrance while naturally repelling moths and other fabric-damaging insects. [source]
Dried arrangements and wreaths
CraftThe bright white flower spikes of Nana Alba dry beautifully and retain their color and fragrance for months, making them ideal for floral crafts, wreaths, and decorative arrangements. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeLavender flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making Nana Alba an excellent plant for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [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 flowers just as they open for maximum fragrance and color. Cut stems in early morning after dew dries. For drying, harvest when fully open but before fading. Tie in small bundles and hang in cool, dark, well-ventilated space. Can be harvested multiple times during blooming season; deadheading encourages more flowers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Nana' means 'dwarf' in Spanish, reflecting this cultivar's compact size compared to standard lavender varieties, which can reach 2-3 feet tall.
- 🌱 Lavender has been cultivated for over 2,500 years, with evidence of its use in ancient Egypt for embalming and perfume production.
- 🌱 The distinctive fragrance of lavender comes from essential oils, primarily linalool and linalyl acetate, which accumulate most abundantly in the flowers and are released when stems or flowers are touched or heated.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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