The Story
Plant Bio
Lavandula angustifolia, the English lavender, is a compact, rounded evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean basin. It features narrow, linear, grey-green leaves that release volatile aromatic oils when bruised.
'Alba' is distinguished by its pure white tubular flowers arranged in dense, upright terminal spikes that bloom throughout the summer. This cultivar maintains a bushy, compact form reaching twenty to thirty-nine inches in height and width.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
39"
Width
39"
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean
Toxicity
Low toxicity if ingested
Bloom period
Summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Ensure the soil is light, sandy, or gravelly with excellent drainage and a neutral to alkaline pH.
- Space plants to allow for mature spread and adequate air circulation, which prevents fungal issues.
- Water deeply but infrequently during the first season to establish a deep root system, then reduce watering.
Pro Tip
Prune immediately after the summer bloom finishes by cutting back spent flower stems and shaping the outer green foliage by an inch or two; cutting hard into old, leafless wood prevents regeneration.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in raised beds or sloped areas if your garden has heavy or slow-draining soil.
- Prune annually after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded shape.
- Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent powdery mildew.
Don't
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in wet, soggy soil, especially during winter.
- Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which cause weak, leggy growth and reduce essential oil concentration.
- Do not cut back into the woody, leafless base of the plant during pruning.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
White English Lavender questions
What zones can White English Lavender grow in?
White English Lavender is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is White English Lavender deer resistant?
Yes — White English Lavender is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does White English Lavender bloom?
White English Lavender typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does White English Lavender need full sun?
White English Lavender does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is White English Lavender drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White English Lavender handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lavandula to compare

Phenomenal Lavender
Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal'

Munstead Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

Lavender Sensational
Lavandula angustifolia 'Sensational'

Grosso Lavender
Lavandula x hybrida 'Grosso'

Melissa Lilac Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa Lilac'

English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow White English Lavender with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

























