If you're looking for a plant that's as beautiful as it is practical, Lavender 'Munstead' is hard to beat. Loved for its fragrant purple blooms, silvery-green foliage, and easy-care nature, this classic English lavender has been a garden favorite for generations.
Whether you're creating a pollinator garden, planting a fragrant border, or looking for fresh lavender to dry and enjoy indoors, 'Munstead' delivers season after season. With just a little care, you'll be rewarded with beautiful blooms, a relaxing fragrance, and countless ways to use your harvest.
Why Gardeners Love Lavender 'Munstead'
Lavender 'Munstead' is one of the most dependable and versatile lavender varieties available. Its compact size makes it perfect for garden borders, pathways, containers, and cottage gardens.
Benefits of Lavender 'Munstead'
- Beautiful fragrant purple blooms
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Naturally deer and rabbit resistant
- Drought tolerant once established
- Wonderful for fresh and dried bouquets
- Perfect for culinary, crafting, and home fragrance projects
Its compact habit also makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens and container planting.
Explore Lavender 'Munstead':
Choosing the Perfect Location
Lavender thrives in sunny locations with excellent drainage.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Well-draining soil
- Good air circulation
- Slightly alkaline to neutral soil
Lavender dislikes wet feet, so avoid planting in areas where water tends to collect.
Planting Lavender
Plant Lavender 'Munstead' after the danger of frost has passed in spring or during the cooler temperatures of early fall.
Planting tips:
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball
- Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot
- Water thoroughly after planting
Adding gravel or coarse sand to heavy soils can improve drainage and help prevent root rot.
Watering and Feeding
One of the reasons gardeners love lavender is because it's relatively low maintenance.
Watering tips:
- Water regularly while plants establish
- Once established, water deeply but infrequently
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
Lavender actually performs better with less water than many garden perennials.
Fertilizing
Lavender doesn't require heavy feeding.
A light application of compost in spring is usually enough to keep plants healthy. Too much fertilizer can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
The Benefits of Growing Lavender
Lavender is more than just a beautiful garden plant—it offers benefits both in the garden and around the home.
Attracts Pollinators
Lavender flowers are a favorite food source for:
- Honeybees
- Native bees
- Butterflies
- Beneficial insects
Adding lavender to your landscape helps support a healthy pollinator population.
Naturally Deer Resistant
The strong fragrance that people love helps discourage deer and rabbits from browsing.
This makes lavender an excellent addition to gardens where wildlife pressure is common.
A Wonderful Cut Flower
Fresh lavender makes beautiful bouquets on its own or paired with summer flowers like:
- Dahlias
- Lilies
- Phlox
- Roses
The soft purple flowers add color, texture, and an unforgettable fragrance to floral arrangements.
Relaxing Fragrance
Lavender has been enjoyed for centuries for its soothing scent.
Use dried stems in:
- Sachets
- Wreaths
- Potpourri
- Homemade bath products
- Floral arrangements
Its calming aroma makes it a favorite for bedrooms, living spaces, and gifts.
How to Harvest Lavender
Harvesting lavender at the right time helps preserve its fragrance and color.
When to Harvest
Harvest when:
- About one-third to one-half of the flowers have opened
- Early in the morning after the dew has dried
- Before the afternoon heat
This is when the essential oils are at their peak.
How to Harvest
Using clean garden snips:
- Cut stems several inches above the woody portion of the plant
- Bundle 20–30 stems together
- Remove lower leaves
Avoid cutting into the woody base, as lavender doesn't readily regrow from old wood.
Drying Lavender
Drying lavender is simple and allows you to enjoy it year-round.
To dry lavender:
- Tie small bundles with twine or a rubber band
- Hang upside down in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Allow to dry for 2–4 weeks
Once dry, gently remove the flowers from the stems or leave bundles intact for decorative displays.
Pruning for Healthier Plants
Regular pruning keeps lavender compact and encourages more blooms.
Pruning tips:
- Lightly trim after flowering
- Remove spent flower stems
- Shape plants into a rounded mound
- Never cut deeply into old woody stems
Annual pruning helps Lavender 'Munstead' stay full, healthy, and productive.
Companion Plants for Lavender
Lavender pairs beautifully with other sun-loving perennials and bulbs.
Try planting it alongside:
- Dahlias for bold summer color
- Lilies (Lilium) for height and fragrance
- Phlox for long-lasting blooms
- Salvia for complementary purple and blue tones
The combination creates a pollinator-friendly garden filled with color, texture, and fragrance throughout the season.
Enjoy Lavender for Years to Come
Lavender 'Munstead' is one of those timeless garden plants that offers beauty, fragrance, and function all in one. Whether you're harvesting bundles to dry, creating a pollinator paradise, or simply enjoying its calming scent as you walk through the garden, this easy-care perennial is sure to become a favorite.
With plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and an annual trim, your Lavender 'Munstead' will reward you with years of fragrant blooms and countless harvests.
Explore Easy to Grow Bulbs' collection of Lavender 'Munstead' and other pollinator-friendly perennials to create a garden that's as beautiful as it is beneficial.
Happy Gardening! 💜🌿