How to Grow Lavender 'Munstead'
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Lavender 'Munstead'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
herbMunstead is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its early flowering, deep purple-blue blooms, and excellent fragrance. It grows as a low, bushy shrub with gray-green foliage and is one of the most popular and reliable lavender varieties for gardens. Highly valued for ornamental appeal, culinary use, and aromatic applications.
When should you plant Lavender 'Munstead' in your zone?
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Example Lavender 'Munstead' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lavender 'Munstead'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lavender 'Munstead'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lavender 'Munstead' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny green shoots emerge with narrow cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Growth is slow initially.
Keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. High humidity can promote damping off; ensure good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeks (first season)Plant develops bushy form with increasing gray-green foliage. Stems become woody and woody base establishes.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Begin fertilizing lightly with low-nitrogen fertilizer. Provide full sun exposure.
Bud Formation
3-4 weeksPurple-blue flower buds form along stem tips in compact spikes. Foliage remains dense and fragrant.
Maintain consistent but sparse watering. Do not over-fertilize (excess nitrogen delays flowering). Ensure excellent drainage. Full sun is critical for bud development.
Flowering
6-8 weeksDistinctive purple-blue flower spikes bloom, typically in early to mid-summer. Flowers are densely packed and highly fragrant.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water only if soil is dry. Avoid fertilizing. Harvest flowers at peak bloom for dried lavender.
Dormancy & Hardening
4-6 months (fall/winter)Growth slows in fall. Foliage may take on blue-grey tones. Plant prepares for winter dormancy.
Reduce watering significantly. Do not prune heavily in fall (wait until spring). Allow plant to harden naturally. In cold zones, ensure excellent drainage to prevent winter rot.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; improve air circulation. Use neem oil if severe. Avoid excessive heat/dryness which favors mites.
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Hand-pick if few present. Prune affected stems. Use insecticidal soap for larger infestations. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Ensure excellent drainage and minimal watering. Remove affected plants. Do not replant lavender in same location. Improve soil amendment with sand/gravel.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellow sticky traps can monitor populations. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Culinary & Beverage Flavoring
CulinaryDried lavender flowers and buds are used to flavor tea, lemonade, baked goods, honey, and savory dishes. Munstead's mild, floral flavor makes it particularly suitable for delicate culinary applications. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalLavender tea, essential oil, and dried flowers are traditionally used to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Linalool and linalyl acetate are the primary active aromatic compounds. [source]
Fragrance & Aromatherapy
HouseholdDried lavender sachets freshen closets and drawers, while essential oil is used in diffusers, potpourri, and natural cleaning products. The intense fragrance of Munstead makes it ideal for these applications. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
CraftMunstead's compact growth and deep color make it perfect for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Flowers dry beautifully and retain color and scent for months. [source]
Pollinator Garden Support
WildlifeLavender is a premier nectar and pollen source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it essential for supporting pollinators and beneficial insect populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest flower spikes when blooms are just fully open but before fading (typically early morning is best). Cut stems 4-6 inches below flower head. Dry by hanging upside-down in bundles in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. For fresh use, pick flowers anytime during blooming season. For foliage, harvest young stems year-round. Munstead produces the longest flowering season if deadheaded regularly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Munstead was developed at Munstead Wood in Surrey, England by renowned gardener Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century.
- 🌱 Lavender essential oil has been used since Roman times for bathing, perfumery, and medicinal purposes—the word 'lavender' likely comes from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash.'
- 🌱 A single mature Munstead plant can bloom for 8+ years with minimal care, making it one of the longest-lived and most economical garden investments.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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