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How to Grow Munstead Lavender

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Munstead Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

herb

Munstead lavender is a compact cultivar of English lavender prized for its deep purple-blue flowers and intensely fragrant foliage. It reaches only 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small spaces. This hardy, drought-tolerant perennial is one of the most popular ornamental lavender varieties.

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Hidcote Grosso Provence Imperial Gem Thumbelina

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Example Munstead Lavender timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Munstead Lavender

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Munstead Lavender

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Munstead Lavender dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; ideally 8+ hours
💧
Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Once established, needs minimal water. Drought tolerant. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal issues.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first blooms from transplants; full plant maturity in 2-3 years
🌱
Planting depth: Transplants: plant at soil level, keeping crown above soil. Seeds: surface sow or barely cover, as they need light to germinate.

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure (minimal; too much nitrogen reduces fragrance) Perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement Gravel or stones for Mediterranean conditions

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9; best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings with delicate true leaves; slow initial growth; need bright light and careful watering

Provide bright light (12-14 hours). Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

2

Vegetative

4-8 weeks (transplants); 8-12 weeks (from seed)

Compact bushy plant with narrow, silvery-green foliage; gradual height increase; fragrant leaves when brushed

Pinch stem tips early to encourage bushiness. Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Full sun essential. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.

3

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appearing at stem tips; plant reaches mature height; visible purple-blue spike formations

Maintain consistent but light watering. Do not fertilize at this stage. Ensure full sun exposure. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues.

4

Flowering

6-10 weeks (typically June-August in northern regions)

Dense spikes of tubular purple-blue flowers; peak fragrance; attracts bees and butterflies; long bloom period

Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming and encourage reblooming. Light watering only. Minimal intervention needed. Harvest flowers as needed for drying.

5

Decline & Dormancy

4-6 months (varies by zone)

Flower fading; seed development; foliage remains ornamental year-round in most zones; semi-dormant in winter

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-seeding. Minimal watering through fall/winter. Prune lightly in spring (do not cut into bare wood). No fertilizer needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Catmint Santolina Thyme Rosemary Sage Bearded iris Russian sage Ornamental grasses Creeping phlox Lamb's ear

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders requiring frequent water (hostas, hydrangeas) Plants preferring consistently moist soil (ferns, astilbe) Tall shade-producing plants blocking sunlight

Common Pests

  • Remove infested flower spikes before mid-summer. Prune heavily after flowering. No chemical treatment typically needed for home gardens.

  • Increase humidity with occasional misting. Encourage natural predators. Use neem oil if infestation is severe. Ensure good air circulation.

  • Remove heavily infested leaves. Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.

  • Remove affected plant parts immediately. Improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Avoid overhead watering. Do not crowd plants.

  • Ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering. Do not overwater. Plant on raised beds or mounds if soil is heavy. Remove and replace severely affected plants.

Uses

🍳

Baking & Beverages

Culinary

Dried lavender flowers add floral notes to cakes, cookies, shortbread, and honey. Steep fresh or dried buds in hot water for lavender tea. Use sparingly as the flavor is strong. [source]

💊

Relaxation & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Lavender is well-documented for its calming properties; used in teas, aromatherapy, and herbal preparations to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Contains linalool, a volatile compound with documented sedative effects. [source]

🏠

Aromatherapy & Fragrance

Household

Essential oil and dried flowers are used in diffusers, sachets, pillow sprays, and potpourri. A single plant provides abundant material for year-round household fragrance. [source]

🎨

Dried Arrangements & Crafts

Craft

Dried lavender is prized for floral arrangements, wreaths, bundles, and craft projects. Its long stems and persistent flowers hold color and fragrance for months. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Garden

Wildlife

An excellent nectar and pollen source for honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Single plant sustains multiple pollinators throughout long bloom season. [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 just as flowers begin to open for maximum fragrance and color. Cut in early morning after dew dries. Use clean scissors or pruners. For drying, bunch 8-12 stems with rubber bands and hang upside down in a warm, well-ventilated, dark location for 2-3 weeks. Foliage can be harvested anytime during growing season by pinching or cutting stems. For essential oil quality, harvest at peak bloom.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Munstead was developed by Gertrude Jekyll, a renowned English garden designer, at Munstead Wood in Surrey, England in the early 1900s. It remains one of the most widely grown lavender cultivars over a century later.
  • 🌱 Lavender flowers remain fragrant for years after drying and never need to be refreshed; they naturally preserve their scent without essential oil loss like many herbs.
  • 🌱 The name 'lavender' may derive from the Latin 'lavare' (to wash), as Romans added lavender to bathwater; the tradition continues in modern spa and wellness practices today.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Perennial True Leaves
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