Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Arctic Snow Lavender: Pure White English Lavender for Midsummer
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Arctic Snow lavender is an English lavender with pure white flowers held over narrow, aromatic gray-green leaves. It forms a compact, mound-shaped evergreen shrub, and in mid to late summer the white spikes give it a cool, crisp look that stands out among the purples. The flowers are fragrant, with a moderate scent.
Botanically it is Lavandula angustifolia 'Arctic Snow'. As an English lavender, it is among the hardier lavenders, rated for zones 5a to 9b with an RHS hardiness rating of H5.
Arctic Snow at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia 'Arctic Snow' |
| Flower color | Pure white |
| Foliage | Narrow, gray-green and aromatic |
| Size | Records range from about 12 to 24 inches tall and up to about 30 inches wide; check the listing |
| Bloom | Starts early to mid-July, peaks mid-July to early August, moderate rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5a to 9b; RHS H5 |
| Fragrance | Moderate |
| Culinary | Rated great |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators; deer resistant |
Why grow a white English lavender
White lavender is the easiest way to make purple look more purple. A few plants of Arctic Snow scattered among blue and violet English lavenders sharpen the whole planting, and a full row of it reads as clean and modern. It also suits all-white gardens, wedding-themed beds and spots near a patio where pale flowers catch evening light.
Its bloom runs a little later than many English lavenders, through mid and late summer, so it can carry a bed after the earliest purples have been cut.
Planting and spacing
Give Arctic Snow full sun, six to eight hours or more, and soil that drains quickly. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal; in clay, plant on a raised bed or mound. Because published sizes vary, plan for a plant up to about two and a half feet across and space accordingly, roughly 24 to 30 inches apart, so air moves between them.
Plant the crown level with the soil, water deeply and keep mulch off the woody base. Check timing with the Frost Date Estimator.
Care through the year
- Establishment: water when the top few inches of soil dry, during the first season only.
- Established plants: low water needs. Overwatering is the usual mistake.
- Winter chill: Arctic Snow needs a cold winter period to bloom well, which Great Lakes winters provide.
- Pruning: after the main bloom, trim spent stems and shape the mound, staying in leafy growth. A lighter second round of flowers may follow. The Pruning Calendar has timing.
- Feeding: very light or none.
In the kitchen
English lavender is the classic culinary lavender, and Arctic Snow is rated great for culinary use. White buds give lavender sugar, shortbread and lemonade the lavender flavor without the purple flecks, which some bakers prefer for a pale, elegant look. Harvest buds on a dry morning when they are formed but before most flowers open, and dry them in a shaded, airy spot. Use buds grown as a food crop and start with small amounts.
Bundles and other uses
It is rated good for cut and dried flowers. White bundles look striking mixed with purple ones. Hang them out of direct sun so the white stays clean.
Choosing a plant format
Arctic Snow is offered as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if it is not available right now.
Frequently asked questions
Does white lavender smell like purple lavender?
Yes. It has the same lavender character, rated moderate in strength for this cultivar.
Why do the size records differ?
Lavender size varies with climate, soil and age, and published records for Arctic Snow differ. Check the listing for the current size.
Is it hardy in Michigan?
It is rated for zones 5a to 9b. Sharp drainage is the deciding factor in cold, wet winters.
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