Munstead Strain Lavender

Munstead Lavender is a much smaller and more compact English variety, perfect for growing in containers or at the front of a hot, dry flower bed. The pale lavender flowers bloom earlier and last longer than their larger cousin, Hidcote. The stems are straight and can be cut for flower arranging and drying. Munstead Lavender is a hardy variety that withstands winter snow and cold, making it long lived in the garden. Munstead Lavender can be planted in large groups as an informal, low-growing hedge or planted singly as an accent for the front of a sunny cottage garden border. Container growing is perfect for Munstead lavender. Pots can be placed on a deck or patio where the distinct fragrance can be smelled, and the ferny foliage can be felt. Lavender is very low maintenance and a must for gardeners that have a Mediterranean garden plan. Munstead Strain Lavender Care Plant lavender in full sun with well-draining soil. Lavenders prefer a soil pH that is neutral to alkaline. Heavy clay soil is unsuitable for lavender root systems and will need to be lightened by adding organic compost. Water newly planted shrubs well with half an inch of water a week. Using drip irrigation or soaker hoses will encourage the roots to grow deeper in the soil and make the plant much more drought tolerant. Fertilize the shrubs early in the spring with a granular fertilizer formulated for blooming shrubs. Mulching yearly with 2-3 inches of organic compost is also a great way to gently feed lavender. Prune lavender in the summer after it has finished blooming. A light shearing of the entire plant will help to keep its shape mounded and its stems from becoming woody. Rejuvenation pruning can sometimes be done for lavender that has gotten wildly out of shape or has been neglected for too many growing seasons. When cutting back hard into the woody stems, always cut just above a leaf bud so that bare branches will be covered. Munstead Strain Lavender Spacing Munstead reaches a mature height of 12-15 inches with a spread of 2-3 feet. Space plants 3 feet apart when planting multiples. Use a pot with at least a 12-inch diameter for container growing.