White English Lavender
White Lavender seems a little unusual, however a number of varieties are available and they do provide a different contrast to the garden. A little rider or disclaimer here, most white lavenders do have just a touch of pale lavender pink in the flowers as they age. New flowers are very white.
Flowering in mid summer this is a white variety as the name suggests. With snowy white flowers this variety of English Lavender is fragrant and the silvery grey foliage contrast well against the white flowers which rise above on terminal stems to 80cm in height.
A number of named varieties are available including a few lower growing or ‘dwarf’ forms. You will see it offered simply as English white Lavender as well as number of other names.
Like most species Lavandula angustifolia ‘Alba’ grows best in a well drained soil humus rich soil in a sunny position.
The lower growing varieties Lavandula angustifolia Nana ‘Alba’ will reach around 40 cm in height. are excellent for planting next to paths as an informal border or hedge.
White lavender also looks great when grown in containers.
Other White lavender Varieties
- Lavandula x intermedia Alba (White Grosso)
- Lavandula x intermedia Blanch
- Lavandula x intermedia Dutch
- Albaa Lavandula stoechas ‘Snowball’
How To Grow Lavandula angustifolia ‘Alba’ – Basic Care
The same growing conditions apply as for most other lavenders, though the white flowers of ‘Alba’ can make it particularly striking in the garden.
Sunny position.
Choose the sunniest spot available. Full sun encourages strong growth and the best flowering display.
Humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Improve drainage if necessary by raising the bed or incorporating grit. Lavender dislikes sitting in wet soil, particularly in winter.
Mulch around plants in spring to maintain a cool root run.
Use a light, open mulch such as gravel or small stones. Avoid heavy organic mulches directly against the stems.
Fertilise with a slow-release, all-purpose fertiliser in spring.
Lavender does not need heavy feeding, but a light annual application supports steady growth and flower production.
Prune lightly after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms.
A gentle trim keeps the plant tidy and often rewards you with more flowers later in the season.
Prune back in spring as soon as new growth commences to maintain shape and size.
Aim to remove the previous season’s spent growth while keeping plenty of healthy foliage.
Try not to cut back into old woody stems, as lavenders often struggle to reshoot from bare wood.
Landscaping Uses
This is a versatile plant and be used as single feature or mass planted, try these suggestions.
- Borders and Edging: Ideal for lining paths, driveways, or garden beds, where the white blooms add light and contrast.
- Cottage and Mediterranean-style gardens: Works beautifully in relaxed, sun-drenched plantings.
- White or Moonlight gardens: The clean white flowers glow at dusk and pair well with silver and pale foliage.
- Rock gardens and gravel gardens: The plant’s preference for dry, well-drained conditions makes it a natural fit.
- Containers: Excellent in terracotta pots or stone troughs, particularly near entrances where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
- Herb or sensory gardens: Aromatic foliage and soft flowers contribute scent and texture.
Suggested Companion Plants
Choose plants that enjoy similar sunny, free-draining conditions:
- Silvery, drought-tolerant companions:
Santolina, Artemisia, Perovskia, Helichrysum, Stachys byzantina - Flowering companions for colour contrast:
Salvia, Nepeta, Gaura, Verbena bonariensis, Eryngium - Low mounding forms for edging:
Thyme, Dwarf Rosemary, Teucrium chamaedrys - Grasses for movement and texture:
Festuca glauca, Pennisetum ‘Hameln’, Stipa tenuissima
