Lavender Munstead ( Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ ) is an heirloom dwarf variety of English Lavender introduced in 1916. It has all the wonderful attributes of the full size Lavandula angustifolia; just in a more compact package. Being smaller makes this little treasure much more suitable for pot and container growing, squeezing into tighter spaces and in rockeries and small gardens. The only other difference is that it is slightly more heat tolerant. If you are looking for a larger lavender, try the English Lavender.
Lavender is a must have plant in every garden and is very attractive to bees and other pollinators; but is a deterrent to mosquitoes, borers and fleas. Planting Lavender near a vegetable garden or citrus trees will assist with pollination and deter common pests; it a win-win!
Lavandula angustifolia is one of the most highly used essential oils in the world. It is famous for the relaxing and quality sleep inducing properties it holds. There are several other therapeutic benefits. It is not uncommon to see Lavender in the culinary industry as a flavouring. However it should be added sparingly; as it can overpower other flavour’s easily.
Suitable for Cold to Sub-Tropical Climates.
Note: We have had customers tell us that their Lavender is growing well in their tropical climate. We imagine that the plants would need protection during the wet seasons there though? This may be possible by keeping the plant/s in a pot, so they can be moved undercover, by planting them on an elevated/sloped location, where heavy rains can drain away; or by covering them up during this period somehow?
Growth
Lavender Munstead is a strongly scented shrub that grows approximately 30-40 cm tall and 30-50 cm wide. Its small leaves begin life bright green but mature to a more silvery green as they age. Leaves are long and thin, growing on average to around 2-4 cm. Lavender Munstead flowers are purple in colour and grow on top of longs stems that stand above the foliage. The flowers are approximately 2-5 cm in length.
Lavandula angustifolia prefers a full sun position with a well draining soil. It does not tolerate consistently wet soil; which can cause root rot. This species is tolerant of frost and temperatures down to -15°C and will cope well with hot dry weather; which is normal in its native regions. Lavender Munstead will grow well in coastal conditions, is drought hardy and quite resistant to pests and disease. Lavandula angustifolia responds well to trimming; prune after Summer when flowering is complete. Remove spent flowers throughout flowering season to encourage more flowers.
*Seeds have been primed and are ready to sow for higher germination rates*
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Mediterranean. Sub-Tropical if protected from heavy rains.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-5°C to 40°C / 23 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 40 cm (15 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm (20 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees, Moths and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
6-18 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
92% – seeds are primed and ready for germination.
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 900
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT LAVENDER MUNSTEAD (Lavandula angustifolia)
Extracts from Lavender are popular in soaps; shampoo; disinfectants; perfumes and as an anti-bacterial aiding with burns, minor wounds and insect bites among many other things.
Although Lavender is a deterrent to fleas, it is best to not bath your pet in it. Lavender based pet shampoo is highly diluted because it contains compounds that can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
Lavandula angustifolia makes for a great cut flower and is handy as a dried flower. Place it is a bowl as pot-pourri to leave a beautiful relaxing scent around the home; in a cloth bag in clothes draws or linen cupboards to keep clothing smelling fresh and to deter insects or add the leaves to a bath for its therapeutic properties. Try tying a few of the dried flower stems together and burning them as incense sticks. Apparently Lavender repels mice as well.
