The seemingly endless lavender fields of Provence, blooming lushly in the characteristic purple, are famous and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. What is little known, however, is that the Mediterranean plant is also available in other colors.
What varieties and care does white lavender need?
White lavender is available in different varieties, such as Arctic Snow, Dutch White or Ballerina. Winter hardiness and care depend on the lavender variety, although real lavender is usually hardy. The care is similar to that of blue or purple lavender.
An unusual eye-catcher in the garden and on the balcony
White lavender in particular is an unusual eye-catcher in the garden as well as on the balcony and terrace. However, the bright, white flower color is by no means typical of a specific type of lavender, but occurs in almost all types. The height and requirements of white lavender do not depend on the flower color, but on the variety. White-flowering lavender is particularly suitable for the garden, while lavender is the best variety for cultivation in pots. White lavender can be used in the same way as typical purple or blue lavender. White lavender was first mentioned around 400 years ago, and it also occasionally occurs as a wild form.
The most beautiful white lavender varieties
White lavender can be planted beautifully in an all-white bed or as an interesting contrast to the darker flowers of other lavender varieties. At this point we list the most beautiful varieties of white-flowering lavender.
1. White varieties of real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), hardy
- Arctic Snow
- Blue Mountain White
- Dwarf White (particularly low growing)
- Nana Alba
- Celestial Star
- Potpourri White
- Crystal Lights
- Melissa
2. White varieties of Lavandin (Lavandula intermedia), not hardy
- Alba
- Dutch White
- Edelweiss
- Herring Gull
3. White varieties of lavender (Lavandula stoechas), not hardy
- Ballerinas
- Snow Man (remains small and therefore particularly suitable for pot cultivation)
Is white lavender hardy?
Whether white lavender is hardy depends on the lavender variety. Usually only the different varieties of real lavender are considered hardy, all others are only maximally winter-hardy and therefore cannot tolerate frost. Lavender that is not hardy should be overwintered under cold house conditions.
Caring for white lavender
White lavender has the same conditions in terms of location, soil conditions and care as blue or purple lavender; this is completely independent of the flower color. The following applies to all types of lavender:
- a full sun, sheltered location
- loose, sandy and nutrient-poor soil
- little to no fertilizer (especially no nitrogen!)
- water little but regularly (exception: lavender planted in the garden)
- no waterlogging, not too much moisture
- protect hardy varieties in winter, e.g. B. through protective mats
- overwinter all other varieties under cold house conditions
Tips & Tricks
The varieties Melissa and Coconut White even bloom in two colors, white and pink - a particularly striking sight.