Description
The most extensively grown species of lavender, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), has a well-liked variety known as Munstead lavender. Munstead lavender grows slowly and compactly, making it a great choice for small gardens and container gardening. The plant is distinguished by its dense, aromatic woody perennial with narrow, gray-green leaves that mound. In July, delicate purple flowers surround the sharp points of the stems. Unlike French lavender, it is cold hardy and flowers earlier than other English lavenders.
Habitat
In spite of its common name, it is mainly from the Mediterranean region and is not native to England.
Uses
‘Munstead’ is another herb that is used medicinally and has strong antifungal and antibacterial qualities. The plant’s calming aroma calms the mind and rejuvenates the skin, while its oil is used to treat anything from sunburns to headaches.
Plant Care
- Light
English lavender, a native of the Mediterranean, requires six to eight hours in direct sunlight each day. Too little sun causes it to become leggy and produces fewer flowers. It’s acceptable to have some afternoon shade in warmer climates.
- Soil
English lavender grows best in shallow rocky soil that is considerably less fertile and sandy, but yet allows for good drainage. Steer clear of any overly fertile, wet, or, worse, soggy soil.
- Water
Once planted, water ‘Munstead’ lavender can withstand some drought. Water it frequently during the first growing season after planting to keep the soil evenly moist. After that, this plant usually doesn’t need any additional watering. The one and only exception is if there is a drought when the flower buds are forming. Water when necessary to prevent shriveling of the buds and to allow the blooms to reach their maximum beauty.
Unlike most other plants, lavender is extremely sensitive to excess water, therefore when mulching around these plants, the goal is to keep the area dry—exactly the opposite effect of most organic mulches. Therefore, it is preferable to use rocks or gravel rather than mulch that absorbs water, like bark or shredded leaves, when mulching around lavender plants.
- Temperature and Humidity
Lavender does not thrive in humid regions and prefers a warm, but not hot, climate. Despite being hardy to USDA hardiness zone 5, Munstead lavender may not always withstand extremely cold winters with lows of -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is advised to either take root cuttings in the autumn or grow them indoors, then replant them in the garden in the spring, or to grow it in a container that you can bring inside for the winter.
- Fertilizer
Fertilization is not required for lavender. In actuality, the plant may die from too rich soil and fertilizer.
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