How to Grow Munstead Lavender
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Munstead Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
herbMunstead is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its deep purple-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. It is a dwarf variety that grows 12-18 inches tall and is prized for ornamental landscaping, cut flowers, and essential oil production. This hardy perennial is one of the most popular and reliable lavender varieties for home gardens.
When should you plant Munstead Lavender in your zone?
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Example Munstead Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Munstead 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 Munstead Lavender
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Munstead Lavender dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-9; thrives best in 6-8
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Seedling/Transplant
4-6 weeksSmall rosettes of narrow, silvery-gray foliage; delicate appearance with minimal branching
Keep soil lightly moist; provide bright light; avoid waterlogging; harden off before transplanting outdoors
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops bushy, mounded form with increasing gray-green foliage density; no flowers yet
Water moderately during dry spells; pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and bushiness; minimal fertilizer needed
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower spikes emerge from stem tips; buds form along spike before opening into individual purple-blue florets
Maintain consistent watering; deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; stake if needed in windy areas
Peak Flowering
4-6 weeks (typically June-August)Full clusters of fragrant purple-blue flowers along elongated spikes; plant appears full and vibrant
Harvest for fresh or dried use; deadhead regularly to extend bloom season; ensure excellent drainage
Post-Flowering & Dormancy
4-6 monthsFlowers fade and dry on stem; foliage remains attractive; plant prepares for rest period in cooler zones
Prune back after flowering or in early spring; remove woody dead growth; reduce watering in fall/winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use sulfur dust; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infested flower heads; prune out heavily affected branches; beneficial insects provide natural control
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil with sand/perlite; remove and destroy affected plants if severe
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Usually not serious; spray neem oil if populations become high; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Culinary & Beverage Flavoring
CulinaryDried Munstead lavender flowers add delicate floral notes to teas, baked goods, honey, and savory dishes. The flavor is aromatic with subtle floral sweetness and pairs well with lemon and honey. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Craft
HouseholdThe long stems and vibrant purple flowers are ideal for dried floral arrangements, wreaths, sachets, and potpourri. Munstead flowers retain color and fragrance exceptionally well when dried. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalLavender is traditionally used in teas, aromatherapy, and herbal preparations to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. The essential oil contains linalool, a compound associated with calming properties. [source]
Essential Oil & Fragrance
HouseholdMunstead produces high-quality essential oil with strong floral fragrance, used in perfumery, cosmetics, cleaning products, and aromatherapy. The oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other pollinators, making Munstead an excellent choice for supporting biodiversity. It is a keystone plant for pollinator 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 flower spikes when 50-75% of florets have opened for best fragrance and color retention. Cut in early morning after dew dries. Tie bundles loosely and dry upside-down in warm, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks. For essential oil extraction, harvest at peak bloom. Deadhead spent flowers throughout season to encourage continuous blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Munstead was developed in the early 1900s at Munstead Wood, the garden of renowned English plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll, and remains one of the most widely grown lavender cultivars worldwide.
- 🌱 Unlike many lavender varieties, Munstead blooms reliably in cooler climates (zones 5-6) and was specifically selected for hardiness and performance in English gardens.
- 🌱 A single mature Munstead plant can produce enough flowers to fill multiple dried arrangements or yield several milliliters of essential oil per growing season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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