Munstead Lavender

The Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) is cherished for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. Reaching 1 to 1.5 feet in height and spread, this compact plant thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 8 and prefers full sun with dry to medium water needs. English Lavender performs best in well-drained, alkaline soils, making it suitable for rock gardens and other sunny, dry locations.

The lavender-blue flowers appear in terminal spikes during late spring through summer, providing a long-lasting display of color and fragrance. Its gray-green leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season, and the flowers are perfect for cutting and drying for use in sachets, potpourris, or even culinary applications.

English Lavender offers versatility in the garden, making it perfect for many applications. Its fragrant flowers and gray-green foliage bring both color and scent to the landscape. Some popular uses include:

• Herb Gardens: As a classic herb, English Lavender is ideal for growing in dedicated herb gardens where its fragrance and beauty can be appreciated.
• Borders and Edging: Use English Lavender to create a soft, fragrant border along pathways or garden edges.
• Rock Gardens: Its tolerance for dry, rocky soils makes it a perfect addition to rock gardens or xeriscapes.
• Low Hedges: English Lavender can be pruned and shaped into low hedges, adding both function and fragrance to garden designs.
• Cut Flowers and Potpourri: The showy, fragrant blooms are perfect for cutting and drying, and are commonly used in sachets, potpourri, or even culinary dishes.

English Lavender thrives with minimal care when planted in the right conditions. To ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms, follow these planting and care tips:

• Planting Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, alkaline soil. English Lavender performs best in full sun and tolerates dry conditions, but requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot, particularly in winter.
• Soil Preparation: Prepare soil by ensuring good drainage, particularly in heavier soils. A light, sandy, or gravelly soil with low fertility is ideal.
• Planting: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. English Lavender can spread up to 1.5 feet wide, so give it enough room to thrive. Consider planting in a raised bed or using rock mulch to improve drainage.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, English Lavender is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry spells.
• Pruning: Prune back faded flowers to promote continued blooming. In early spring, prune plants back to about 8 inches every 3 years to encourage vigorous growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Mulching: Avoid organic mulch in humid areas to prevent moisture retention. Rock mulch can be a better alternative for promoting drainage and preventing root rot.