Lavandula 'Munstead'

Renowned for its heavy midsummer bloom strength and its excellent heat and humidity tolerance, Lavandula 'Munstead' is a classic English lavender. An evergreen perennial, it makes a breathtaking hedge, but also shines as a border accent and even thrives in large containers. This beloved heirloom deserves a place of honor in your sunny, dry landscape.

Reaching 12 inches high and 12 to 24 inches wide with gray-green foliage and bloom stalks that can reach a foot long, Lavandula 'Munstead' is highly aromatic—the foliage makes excellent sachets, potpourri, and more. It is heavenly to brush against in the garden, releasing its scent most strongly when touched.

In midsummer, the foliage is topped by masses of bright lavender-blue blooms, very full, rounded, and long lasting. Bees and butterflies are drawn to this plant by the dozen. The classic variety makes wonderful fresh bouquets as well as everlastings.

Lavender is an herb, packed with essential oils used in food preparation. Lavandula 'Munstead' is usually used for garden and fragrance purposes, but it can be a source of lavender oil as well. This bushy, well-branched, hardworking little evergreen perennial is a source of so many good things in the garden.

Grow Lavandula 'Munstead' in well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in an open, sunny spot. Like all lavenders, Lavandula 'Munstead' needs very well drained soil, and prefers to be kept on the dry side (once established). Very tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought, it is a fine performer in the U.S. Trim back in spring to encourage bushier growth; also deadhead after flowering to keep the plant setting new buds and blooms next season.