How to Grow Matsumoto Lavender
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Matsumoto Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Matsumoto'
shrubMatsumoto Lavender is a compact, densely-flowering cultivar of English lavender known for its vibrant purple-violet blooms and silvery-green foliage. This Japanese-bred variety is prized for its extended flowering season and exceptional ornamental value. It thrives in well-drained conditions and is highly attractive to pollinators.
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Example Matsumoto Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Matsumoto Lavender
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 Matsumoto Lavender
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Matsumoto Lavender 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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Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plant with compact growth, silvery-green foliage beginning to fill in
Water moderately until roots are established (3-4 weeks). Avoid overwatering. Ensure excellent drainage. Mulch lightly with gravel.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksBushy mounding plant with dense silvery-green linear foliage, no flowers yet
Minimal fertilizer needed (lavender prefers poor to average soil). Pinch back tips in spring if desired to encourage bushier growth. Maintain dry conditions.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight purple clusters on slender stems
Do not overwater despite visual appearance of growth. Provide full sun exposure. No fertilizer needed. Ensure good air circulation.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June-September, often with repeat blooms)Abundant violet-purple flowers in dense spikes; plant is highly fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies
Continue dry conditions. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Harvest flowers as desired for fresh or dried use.
Post-Bloom & Dormancy
4-6 monthsFlowers fade; plant remains evergreen with silvery foliage. Minimal growth during winter
Prune lightly (1/3 of plant height) in late summer or early spring to maintain shape and prevent woody bare patches. Avoid heavy pruning. Provide winter protection in zone 5. No supplemental watering needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick infested flower buds; remove and destroy affected plant material; prune out dead wood where beetles overwinter
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Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; use insecticidal soap if severe; encourage predatory mites
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Prevent through excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering; remove infected plants; amend soil with perlite and gravel
Uses
Tea & Beverages
CulinaryDried Matsumoto Lavender flowers can be steeped into soothing herbal teas with floral, slightly sweet notes. Use culinary-grade flowers sparingly due to their potent flavor. [source]
Fragrance & Aromatherapy
HouseholdDried flowers release essential oils with a distinctive, calming fragrance suitable for sachets, potpourri, and pillows. The Matsumoto cultivar is particularly fragrant and long-lasting when dried. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalLavender has been traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep quality. The aromatic compounds, particularly linalool, are studied for their calming properties. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
CraftMatsumoto Lavender's compact flower spikes and rich purple color make it ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Maintains color and fragrance for months when properly dried. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeMatsumoto Lavender is highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [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 flowers in early morning after dew dries but before peak heat. Cut flower spikes just as blooms begin to open for best fragrance and color retention. Ideal for fresh arrangements or drying. For dried flowers, hang bundles upside down in a warm, airy location away from direct sun for 1-2 weeks. Best harvest period: June through September.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Matsumoto Lavender is a Japanese cultivar specifically bred for superior flowering density and longer bloom season compared to standard English lavender varieties.
- 🌱 The name 'Matsumoto' honors the Japanese city where the cultivar was developed, reflecting Japan's significant horticultural contributions to ornamental plant breeding.
- 🌱 Lavender's fragrance remains potent in dried form for years when stored in cool, dark conditions—some gardeners report that dried Matsumoto flowers from decades past still retain noticeable scent.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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