Ballerina Lavender is a charming variety that brings unique grace to any garden space. Its compact size, distinct bloom colors, and delightful fragrance make it a popular choice for gardeners. This versatile lavender suits various garden designs, from formal beds to casual container arrangements.
Characteristics of Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina Lavender (Lavandula stoechas ‘Ballerina’) is a hybrid French lavender with a unique appearance. This variety typically grows into a bushy mound, reaching 1.5 to 2.5 feet (18-30 inches) in both height and width. Its light green foliage provides a soft backdrop for its striking blooms.
The flowers are a distinguishing feature, presenting as plump, dark purple heads topped with long, showy white bracts. These bracts gradually fade to soft pink and purple as they mature, resembling “rabbit ears” or “butterfly wings,” which gives the plant its “ballerina” namesake. Ballerina Lavender blooms almost continuously from mid-to-late spring through late summer, offering an extended period of color and fragrance.
Planting Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina Lavender thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Good air circulation around the plant is also beneficial, particularly in hot and humid climates.
Well-draining soil is important for Ballerina Lavender, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A sandy or gravelly loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (ideally between 6.5 and 7.5) provides an ideal environment. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. When planting, dig a hole as deep as the nursery pot and twice as wide, setting the plant at the same depth it was in its container. For container planting, select a pot with ample drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. After planting, water generously to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Care Guide for Ballerina Lavender
Once established, Ballerina Lavender is relatively low-maintenance, though consistent care helps ensure its longevity. Full sun exposure supports its overall health. Watering should be infrequent but deep, allowing the soil to dry out moderately between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so it is best to err on the side of less water once the plant is established.
Pruning is important to maintain its shape and encourage reblooming. A light prune after the first flush of blooms in spring can promote a second round of flowers. A more substantial prune, removing about one-third of the old growth, should be done in early fall to prepare the plant for dormancy and prevent legginess. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems that lack green growth, as lavender typically does not regrow from old wood. Fertilization needs are minimal; lavender prefers lean conditions, and too much nitrogen can reduce flowering. If necessary, a light application of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can suffice. While generally resistant to pests and diseases, good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. For colder climates, Ballerina Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10. In regions with colder winters, container-grown plants can be moved to a sheltered area.
Uses and Benefits of Ballerina Lavender
Ballerina Lavender enhances gardens with its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its compact, bushy form and distinctive bicolor blooms make it an excellent choice for ornamental use in garden beds, borders, rock gardens, or containers on patios and near entryways.
The aromatic flowers and foliage can be used in sachets, potpourri, or simply enjoyed for their scent in the garden. This plant also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems. Its aromatic properties are associated with promoting a calming environment.
Common Issues and Solutions
A few common issues with Ballerina Lavender are often related to environmental conditions. A lack of blooms can occur due to insufficient sunlight, excessive fertilization (especially nitrogen), or improper pruning. Ensuring the plant receives full sun and avoiding heavy feeding can promote flowering.
Legginess, where the plant appears stretched with sparse foliage, typically results from infrequent or inadequate pruning. Regular pruning helps maintain a denser, more compact shape. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor soil drainage, which can lead to root rot. Improving drainage and allowing the soil to dry between waterings can remedy this. Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or root rot, are usually linked to poor air circulation or excessive humidity. Providing adequate spacing and good drainage helps mitigate these problems. While generally pest-resistant, minor problems like spittlebugs can appear and be managed by hand.