Arctic Snow lavender offers a striking presence in gardens with its distinctive white flowers and resilient nature. This variety provides a visual contrast to common purple lavenders, making it a desirable choice for a different aesthetic. Its hardiness allows it to thrive in various conditions, offering both beauty and aroma.
Understanding Arctic Snow Lavender
‘Arctic Snow’ lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Arctic Snow’) is an English lavender cultivar known for its pure white blossoms, a distinct contrast to common purple varieties. Its dense spikes of pristine white flowers create an elegant appearance. The aromatic foliage features a silver-green or grey-green hue, complementing the blooms. This perennial herb has a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) in height and spread.
Recognized for its robust nature and cold hardiness, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Its unique white flowers and compact form make ‘Arctic Snow’ a standout among other lavenders. This cultivar maintains a year-round presence with evergreen leaves, providing consistent structure and visual interest.
Planting Arctic Snow Lavender
For optimal growth and abundant flowering, ‘Arctic Snow’ lavender requires full sunlight for a minimum of six to eight hours daily. Well-drained soil is crucial, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Improve drainage in heavy clay soils by incorporating coarse grit or sharp sand before planting.
This cultivar prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If the soil is too acidic, amend it with lime. Space plants 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) apart to ensure adequate air circulation. Plant in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently, at least 60°F (21°C).
Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Arctic Snow’ lavender is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. During its initial establishment, water newly planted specimens regularly. To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry out completely between deep, infrequent waterings. Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning is important for maintaining the plant’s shape and promoting continuous blooms. In early spring, after the last frost, prune back about one-third of the plant’s height, removing any dead or damaged stems. This encourages bushier growth and invigorates the plant. After the main flush of flowers fades, a light trim (deadheading) helps maintain appearance and can encourage a second bloom.
Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as lavender does not readily regenerate new growth from them. Pruning should target green, leafy growth to keep the plant compact and productive. For fertilization, ‘Arctic Snow’ lavender is not a heavy feeder and thrives in lean soil. Excessive fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen products, can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and may reduce winter hardiness. A single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a thin layer of compost in early spring is sufficient.
‘Arctic Snow’ lavender is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to issues like aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spots. These problems are often linked to overwatering or insufficient air circulation. Proper plant spacing and good airflow significantly reduce the risk, helping the plant remain healthy.
Common Uses and Benefits
‘Arctic Snow’ lavender is a versatile plant for various garden designs. Its compact habit and elegant white flowers make it an excellent choice for borders or edging along pathways, where its fragrance is appreciated. It is also suitable for rock gardens, container plantings, and mass plantings for visual impact. Its neat, rounded form makes it suitable for informal hedging or structured designs like knot gardens.
Beyond its ornamental value, ‘Arctic Snow’ lavender offers ecological benefits. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, supporting local ecosystems. The strong, classic lavender scent from its aromatic foliage provides a pleasant sensory experience. This variety can also be used as a culinary herb, and its dried flowers are valued for potpourri or sachets. The plant’s fragrance also deters certain garden pests.