A compact, hardy variety of English lavender known for its fragrant, purple-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage, Munstead Lavender is ideal for borders, containers, and low hedges. Here’s how to plant and care for Munstead Lavender:
Planting Guide:
Location:
- Choose a spot with full sun. Munstead Lavender thrives in bright, direct sunlight and needs at least 6-8 hours of sun daily to produce the best blooms.
- Ensure the area has good air circulation to help prevent moisture-related issues.
Soil:
- Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. Lavender does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils.
- Soil should be slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5). If your soil is acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.
- For heavy clay soils, improve drainage by amending with sand, gravel, or organic matter.
Planting Steps:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle in.
- Apply a thin layer of gravel or light mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and reduce weed growth, but keep it a few inches away from the base to prevent rot.
Spacing:
- Spacing Distance: Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
- This allows each plant enough room to grow into its full, compact shape without overcrowding, ensuring good air circulation and healthy growth.
Care Guide:
Watering:
- Water regularly during the first year to establish the plant, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Lavender does not like to sit in water, so be careful not to overwater.
- Once established, Munstead Lavender is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional deep watering during hot, dry periods.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilizing is generally not necessary. Munstead Lavender thrives in nutrient-poor soils, and too much fertilizer can cause leggy, weak growth.
- If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring may help.
Pruning:
- Prune twice a year: lightly in early spring to shape the plant and more heavily after the main flowering period (late summer).
- After flowering, trim back about one-third of the plant, cutting just above the new growth. This will help maintain a compact shape and prevent the plant from becoming woody.
- Be careful not to cut into old, woody stems, as lavender does not regenerate well from old wood.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Munstead Lavender is generally resistant to most pests, but it can occasionally attract aphids or whiteflies. Treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
- Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent fungal issues such as root rot and powdery mildew.
- Ensure the plant has plenty of space to breathe by spacing it correctly and pruning regularly.