How to Grow Nana Lavender

Nana Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Nana'

shrub

Nana Lavender is a dwarf cultivar of English lavender, reaching only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small gardens. It produces fragrant purple-blue flower spikes and narrow, silvery-green foliage typical of lavender. This compact variety retains all the aromatic and ornamental qualities of full-sized lavender while occupying minimal space.

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

Plant Nana Lavender
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Nana Lavender
Around Apr 29

≈ 12 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for best flowering and compact growth)

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Water: Low water needs once established; water deeply but infrequently. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure—reduce watering in fall and winter. Container plants need more frequent watering than in-ground specimens.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: Blooms typically appear within 12-16 weeks from transplant; reaches mature size in 1-2 seasons

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches for seeds; plant transplants at the same depth as their nursery container, keeping the crown slightly above soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage Perlite or pumice for container growing Avoid heavy clay or organic-rich amendments

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, tolerates brief cold snaps but requires excellent drainage in winter-wet climates

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves emerge 10-15 days after sowing; foliage is pale green and narrow

Keep soil barely moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Do not overwater.

Vegetative

6-10 weeks

Plant develops branching stems with increasingly silvery, needle-like foliage; growth is compact and bushy

Reduce watering frequency as plant matures. Transplant to larger containers or garden site when 3-4 inches tall. Pinch back tips occasionally to encourage bushiness.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at stem tips and swell with color, still mostly green and compact along the stems

Maintain full sun and dry conditions. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer if any is applied. Ensure excellent drainage.

Flowering

6-10 weeks (mid-June to August in most zones)

Purple-blue flower spikes open from bottom to top, creating elongated, fragrant flower heads; blooms attract pollinators

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain compact shape. Water only when soil is dry. Avoid overhead watering.

Post-Bloom & Dormancy

4-6 months

Flowers fade and dry naturally; foliage may take on gray or bronze tones; plant enters semi-dormancy in fall and winter

Allow dried flower heads to remain for winter interest and wildlife shelter. Do not cut back severely until spring when new growth appears. Reduce watering significantly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Catmint (Nepeta) Russian Sage (Perovskia) Santolina Thyme Artemisia Coreopsis Sedum Salvia Gaura

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants such as hostas or ferns Heavy feeders like roses or dahlias in the same bed Dense shade-casting plants that would reduce sunlight

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure adequate air circulation.
Hand-pick beetles when present; encourage beneficial insects; apply neem oil in early spring before blooming.
Prevent by ensuring excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove affected plants immediately. Improve soil drainage with sand and gravel amendments.
Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings.

Uses

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Tea & Culinary Flavoring

Culinary

Dried lavender flowers and buds can be steeped for a soothing herbal tea with floral, slightly sweet notes. Fresh or dried flowers also flavor baked goods, honey, vinegars, and desserts. [source]

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Fragrance & Aromatherapy

Household

Essential oil extracted from lavender flowers is widely used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and as a natural air freshener. Dried flowers placed in sachets, pillows, or closets provide long-lasting fragrance and repel some insects. [source]

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Relaxation & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Lavender is traditionally used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. The aroma and compounds in lavender (especially linalool) are studied for their calming effects. [source]

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Dried Flower Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

Dried lavender spikes are popular in floral arrangements, wreaths, potpourri, and various craft projects. The flowers hold their color and fragrance for months when properly dried. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent nectar source in the garden. Dense flowering makes Nana Lavender particularly valuable for small pollinator 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 in mid to late morning after dew dries but before full heat; cut stems just below the flower spike when 80% of florets have opened. For drying, hang bundles upside-down in a warm, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks. Pinch back stems during the growing season to maintain compact shape and increase future blooms. Prune lightly in spring when new growth appears; avoid cutting into old wood.

Fun Facts

🌱 Lavender gets its name from the Latin 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash,' as it was historically added to bathwater in Roman times for its fragrance and supposed therapeutic properties.
🌱 Nana Lavender's dwarf habit makes it naturally suited to container gardening, rock gardens, and edging, requiring no pruning to maintain its compact 12-18 inch form—unlike taller lavender varieties that need annual cutting.
🌱 The silvery-green foliage of lavender contains waxy, reflective surfaces that help the plant conserve water and reflect excess sunlight, allowing it to thrive in hot, dry, sunny conditions.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Pinch Back Transplant True Leaves

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