The plant is characterized by its narrow gray-green foliage that mounds in a dense and aromatic woody perennial.
Delicate purple flowers surround the spiky stem tips in summer.
It blooms earlier than other English lavenders and, unlikeFrench lavender, it is cold hardy.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This means it can also be grown in climates where the thermometer falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dried sprigs can be used for wreath-making and other crafts.
Keep in mind, however, that Munstead lavender is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Insufficient sun makes it leggy and leads to reduced flowering.
In warmer climates, some afternoon shade is acceptable.
Avoid any soil that is too rich, damp or, even worse, soggy.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
‘Munstead’ lavender is fairlydrought-tolerantonce established.
After you plant it, keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season by watering it regularly.
After that, there is generally no need to provide supplemental water to this plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The only exception is if there is drought during the time when the flower buds form.
Water as needed so the buds wont shrivel and the blooms can develop to their full beauty.
Fertilizer
Lavender does not need fertilization.
Cutting a healthy shoot for propagationLex20 / Getty Images
In fact, overly rich soil and fertilizer can kill the plant.
Never cut into woody stems; prune only new growth to shape the plant into a mounded form.
Sow the seeds on top of moistened good-quality seed-starting mix.
Press them lightly into the soil so they can receive plenty of light.
Keep them warm indoors until the threat of frost has passed in the spring.
At that point, they should be ready for planting outdoors.
In cooler climates, you’re able to also bring it indoors for the winter.
Choose a pot that is about 12 inches in diameter and has several drainage holes.
Plant the lavender in a sandy potting mix with the crown about one inch above the soil.
Water the plant thoroughly and then cover the soil with a few inches of rock or gravel mulch.
confirm the plant receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day.
Overwintering
To help plants through the winter, provide a thick layer of mulch.
In their cold hardiness zones, this should be enough to help them get through the cold months.
Remove the mulch when the weather begins to warm in the spring.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Root rotis by far the most common disease affecting lavender.
It is because of oomycetes which are fungus-like microorganisms.
The disease occurs especially in cold and wet soils.
It leads to wilting and/or yellow leaves that eventually die and discoloring of the root tissue.
This plant can give you 15 years of faithful service if given the proper conditions.
If you intend to grow lavender in your home year-round, check that it gets plenty of direct sunlight.
The plant needs at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day, so choose your brightest windowsill.
