English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
ABOUT
The 'Munstead' variety of lavender is a compact, bushy plant known for its aromatic leaves and beautiful flowers. Its foliage is silvery-green, comprising narrow leaves that remain evergreen, giving off a pleasant fragrance when touched. Through the summer months, this lavender bursts into color with dense spikes of small, tubular flowers that are a vibrant purple-blue. These blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, creating a buzzing and fluttering spectacle in any garden. The flower stems rise above the foliage, creating a striking contrast against the softer green of the leaves. Owing to its aromatic and colorful presence, 'Munstead' lavender is a popular choice for garden borders, herb gardens, and as a low hedge. Additionally, it's often used in dried flower arrangements and for the extraction of essential oils, thanks to its strong and characteristic scent. Its overall appearance as a compact shrub with its distinctive fragrance and color makes it a valuable addition to any landscape focused on sensory appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Munstead Lavender, English Lavender
Common names
Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula vera, Lavandula spica, Lavandula delphinensis
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is Lavender. Lavender is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingesting significant quantities of lavender or consuming it in a way that is not typically culinary, such as essential oil ingestion, might lead to side effects, but these are rarely serious. Excessive consumption can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, or irritation of the mouth and digestive system. Since Lavender oil is highly concentrated, it should never be ingested as it can be toxic.
To pets
Lavender is also known by its common name in relation to pets. It is generally considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. Lavender contains compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. In case of ingestion, pets might exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite. Nonetheless, serious toxicity is uncommon. It is always recommended to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms arise after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lavender is widely appreciated for its beautiful purple flowers and is often used in gardens for ornamental purposes.
- Fragrance: Lavender is well-known for its pleasant and calming scent, making it a favorite for use in perfumes, sachets, and aromatherapy products.
- Drought Resistance: 'Munstead' is a drought-tolerant plant once established, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: Lavender flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Culinary Uses: The flowers and leaves of Lavender can be used for flavoring in various culinary dishes and beverages.
- Low Maintenance: Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and pruning once established.
- Hedge and Border Planting: Due to its compact size and shape, it is often planted as a hedge or border that provides structure to garden design.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic effects: Lavender oil has been traditionally used to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Sleep improvement: It is commonly used to improve sleep quality, often placed on pillows or used in aromatherapy.
- Antiseptic properties: The essential oil contains compounds that are believed to help reduce the risk of infection when applied to minor cuts and scrapes.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Lavender may help reduce inflammation when applied topically to the skin.
- Pain relief: The use of lavender essential oil might provide relief from pain associated with conditions like headaches, sore muscles, and joint pain.
- Assisting in digestive health: It has been used to help alleviate symptoms of various gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, gas, and upset stomach.
- Respiratory health: Inhaling lavender vapor or using the essential oil in a diffuser can be used to help relieve symptoms of respiratory issues such as colds and cough.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Moth Repellent: Dried lavender can be placed in sachets and put in closets or drawers to repel moths and protect clothing.
- Flavor Enhancer: Culinary-grade lavender flowers can be used to infuse sugars, create syrups, or flavor baked goods and desserts.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of lavender can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding colors from pale yellow to green or grey.
- Artistic Material: Lavender stems and buds can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, or used for crafting potpourris.
- Animal Bedding Additive: Dried lavender can be mixed into bedding for pets such as rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs to provide a pleasant scent and potentially repel insects.
- Fireplace Fragrance: Dried lavender sprigs can be tossed into a fireplace to create a pleasant aroma when burning.
- Homemade Soap: Lavender buds are often used in homemade soaps for their texture, color, and fragrance.
- Natural Insect Repellent: The essential oils in lavender are sometimes used to repel insects like mosquitoes, flies, and fleas.
- Candle Making: Lavender can be used in candle making, both for its scent and as beautiful inclusions in the candle wax.
- Photography Prop: Fresh or dried lavender is used by photographers as a prop for creating attractive and aromatic settings in photoshoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is used in Feng Shui to bring a sense of calm and purification to a space. It is associated with the Metal element and can be placed in the home to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and enhance sleep quality. Place lavender in the bedroom or in areas where calm is desired to benefit from its soothing vibrations.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: Lavender is often associated with purity due to its clean and fresh scent.
- Serenity: The calming properties of lavender promote relaxation and peace of mind.
- Grace: The delicate and elegant form of the lavender plant suggests gracefulness.
- Calmness: Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy to soothe anxiety and induce calm.
- Healing: Historically, lavender has been used for its medicinal qualities to heal wounds and ailments.
- Devotion: The use of lavender in religious ceremonies symbolizes devotion and faithfulness.
- Protection: Folk beliefs sometimes consider lavender to have the ability to ward off evil spirits.
WaterLavender, specifically the 'Munstead' variety, requires thorough watering when the soil feels dry to the touch, generally every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the climate and soil drainage. An established plant in the ground typically needs about 1 gallon of water, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. During the growing season in spring and summer, water young or potted plants more frequently to keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy. Take care not to overwater as lavender is drought-resistant and prone to root rot if left in wet soil.
LightLavender thrives best in full sun conditions with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The 'Munstead' variety should be placed in an area where it can receive unobstructed sunshine throughout the majority of the day, as this promotes the strongest growth and the best development of flower buds.
TemperatureThe 'Munstead' lavender variety prefers warm temperatures and can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°F to 100°F, but it grows best between 60°F and 70°F. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 through 9 and can tolerate cold winters, though it should be protected from extreme cold and harsh winds.
PruningPruning lavender helps to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and prevent it from becoming woody. 'Munstead' lavender should be pruned in late summer after flowering, or in early spring before new growth begins. Cut back about a third of the plant, shaping it into a rounded mound. This encourages a dense habit and increases longevity.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead', commonly known as English Lavender, is well-draining with plenty of organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand. It prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH level, ideally between 6.7 and 7.3. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
RepottingEnglish Lavender should be repotted every year in the spring to refresh the soil and to accommodate the growth. If the plant doesn't seem root-bound, repotting can be done less frequently, every 2 to 3 years.
Humidity & MistingEnglish Lavender thrives in dry air and does not need high humidity to grow well. It is best suited to the low to average household humidity levels, around 40-50%. Avoid high humidity environments, as it may promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, minimal watering, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavender 'Munstead' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in spring or summer; they germinate in warm, well-drained soil. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with a rosette of leaves at the base. In the first year, 'Munstead' concentrates on vegetative growth, developing a woody stem and branching out. In the second and subsequent years, the plant enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing fragrant purple flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. Post flowering, seed formation occurs, and if not pruned, the plant can self-seed. Over years, the plant becomes woody, and if not regularly pruned, it can become leggy and less vigorous, eventually requiring replacement after several years to maintain garden aesthetics and plant health.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead', commonly known as Munstead Lavender, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, a process best undertaken in late summer. To propagate Munstead Lavender using cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) length from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves to expose a short length of stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the stem into a mix of sand and peat or a perlite and peat blend, pressing the mixture around the stem to provide support. The cutting should be placed in a warm, well-lit area but not in direct sunlight and should be kept consistently moist. Roots typically emerge within several weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
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