Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ Plant Description:
Plant Type:
‘Munstead’ is a perennial herb and a cultivar of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender.
Foliage:
Leaves: The plant has narrow, linear, gray-green leaves that are highly aromatic. The leaves are evergreen, providing interest and fragrance even when the plant is not in bloom.
Flowers:
Inflorescence: ‘Munstead’ produces spikes of small, tubular flowers arranged in whorls on slender stems.
Color: The flowers are lavender-blue, which is a characteristic color of English lavender varieties.
Fragrance: The blooms are highly fragrant, and the essential oils in the flowers contribute to the classic lavender scent.
Size:
Height: Typically grows to a height of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).
Width: Forms a mounded shape, spreading to approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).
Growth Habit:
‘Munstead’ has a compact and bushy growth habit, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces and container planting.
The plant has a neat appearance, with upright stems.
Hardiness:
Zones: Well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sunlight. Lavenders, in general, require plenty of sunlight for optimal growth, fragrance, and flowering.
Soil Conditions:
Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Lavenders do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential for their health.
Uses:
Commonly used for edging, borders, and as a low hedge in garden design.
Suitable for container gardening, where its compact size is an asset.
The aromatic flowers are often harvested for various uses, including potpourri, sachets, and culinary applications.
Maintenance:
Pruning after flowering helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages bushier growth.
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) promotes prolonged flowering.
Lavenders benefit from a light trim in early spring to remove any dead or winter-damaged growth.
Culinary Use:
While ‘Munstead’ is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, some gardeners may use the lavender flowers for culinary applications, such as flavoring in cooking and baking.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ is a well-loved lavender cultivar, appreciated for its delightful fragrance, compact size, and versatility in garden design. It adds charm to gardens, attracts pollinators, and provides aromatic foliage for various uses.
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