Product Field NotesLavender Plants
Ballerina Lavender: An Award-Winning Pink Spanish Lavender
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Ballerina lavender is a Spanish lavender with an upright, two-foot habit and pink flowers over blue-gray foliage. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, a recognition given to plants that perform reliably in gardens. Its scent is bold and resinous, with the camphor and eucalyptus-like notes typical of Spanish lavender.
It is Lavandula stoechas 'Ballerina', rated for USDA zones 8a to 9b with an RHS hardiness rating of H4. It blooms from early May and reblooms freely.
Ballerina at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Lavandula stoechas 'Ballerina' |
| Flower color | Pink |
| Foliage | Blue-gray |
| Size | About 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide |
| Habit | Upright |
| Bloom | Starts early May, peaks late May, high rebloom |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 8a to 9b; RHS H4 |
| Fragrance | Strong, resinous and camphor-like |
| Recognition | RHS Award of Garden Merit |
A patio star in pink
At about two feet tall and wide, Ballerina is large for a Spanish lavender, which makes it a natural centerpiece. Pink flowers over blue-gray leaves are a soft, cool combination that looks good in white, gray or terra-cotta containers. Place a pot at the top of steps, beside a patio table or at the corner of a deck where it can be seen from inside.
Bees work it steadily, and deer usually pass it by, so it also suits open, rural yards where it can summer outside freely.
Containers and winter
Ballerina's zone 8a to 9b rating means it will not survive a Great Lakes winter in the ground. Grow it in a pot at least 14 to 16 inches across, with a drainage hole and a gritty, free-draining mix. In fall, before hard frost, move it into a cool, bright, frost-free room such as an unheated sunroom, and water sparingly until spring. Bring it back out gradually after your last frost; the Frost Date Estimator gives a local date.
In zones 8 and 9, plant it in the ground in full sun and lean, fast-draining soil, about two feet apart.
Care through the season
- Water: let the top inch or two of mix dry, then water until it drains. Never leave the pot in standing water.
- Deadhead: snip faded heads at the base of their stems. Its rebloom rating is high.
- Shape: a light trim after a heavy flush keeps it bushy. Avoid bare wood.
- Feed: a light, balanced feed once or twice a season for container plants.
Using the flowers
Grow Ballerina for color, scent and pollinators. It is rated good as a cut flower and fair for drying, so it is best enjoyed fresh in small vases. Culinary use is not recommended.
Choosing a plant format
It is offered as a 3-inch plug, a 4-inch pot or a 1-gallon pot. A gallon plant makes a showy pot in its first season. See the product page for current sizes and availability, and use Notify Me there if it is not available right now.
Frequently asked questions
What does H4 mean?
It is a hardiness rating from the Royal Horticultural Society for plants hardy through an average British winter. It is a useful guide, but USDA zones 8a to 9b are the better measure for North American gardens.
Can Ballerina winter outside in Michigan?
Not in the ground. Bring the pot inside to a cool, bright place before hard frost.
Is it hard to keep indoors over winter?
Not if the spot is cool and bright and you water sparingly. Warm, dim rooms and wet soil cause most winter losses.
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