Lavender 'Munstead' (Lavandula angustifolia) - fragrant honey-producing perennial - 11 cm pot - Height 25 cm

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is one of the hardiest true lavenders on the market, capable of withstanding frosts down to -15 °C, or even -20 °C when planted in perfectly drained soil. It spends the winter in the ground in all regions of France, including the north and at moderate altitudes. Its frost resistance depends closely on drainage: heavy, wet soil in winter weakens the roots and can cause the plant to decline, even at moderate temperatures. In light soil or soil amended with gravel, it requires no winter protection.

The Lavande 'Munstead' produces its scented spikes mainly from July to September, with a peak bloom in July depending on local weather conditions. Flowering can start in late June in sunny southern regions. The spikes, borne on upright stems well above the grey-green foliage, display a medium to deep purple hue, slightly lighter than the 'Hidcote'. By regularly cutting off faded spikes or by performing a light pruning after the first flush of flowers, a second wave of flowering is sometimes stimulated in late 'summer.

Yes, the 'Munstead' lavender is particularly well suited to growing in a pot or planter thanks to its compact habit (usually 30 to 45 cm at maturity) and its preference for dry conditions. Choose a pot d'at least 20 to 25 cm in diameter with generous drainage holes, and use a special Mediterranean potting mix or mix potting soil with coarse sand or pumice in equal parts. Place the pot in full sun, on a south or west-facing balcony or terrace. Water moderately, only when the surface of the potting mix is dry.

Pruning is key to keeping 'Munstead' lavender dense and long-lived. Prune annually at the end of flowering, between late August and mid-September, cutting the flowering stems back by about a third of their length. The aim is to leave green foliage at the base of each stem: never cut into old, brown or grey woody growth, as Lavandula angustifolia does not grow back from dead wood. Pruning too lightly allows the plant to become leggy and gradually bare at the base, forming an unsightly hole in the centre.

Munstead 'Lavender' pairs beautifully with o'ther sun-loving perennials and shrubs that thrive in well-drained soil. To play with purple and mauve tones, pair it with o'ther cultivars of lavender such as 'Hidcote' (deep purple) or 'Purple Rain' for a dynamic monochrome effect. Roses, salvias (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' or 'Ostfriesland'), catananches and snapdragons complete the picture perfectly. For a structured Mediterranean border, combine it with silvery grasses such as Stipa tenuissima or cistus.

To create a low, fragrant hedge with 'Munstead' lavender, allow a spacing of 30 to 40 cm between each plant, measured from center to center. At this spacing, the plants gradually merge into a dense and uniform band in two to three seasons. If you wish to keep distinct plants in a mass planting or border, space them 40 to 50 cm apart. For decorative grouped pots, you can plant them closer together, at 20-25 cm, accepting a slightly reduced lifespan.

‘Munstead’ lavender is a premier nectar-producing plant: its nectar-rich spikes attract large numbers of honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies (including hawk-moths and tortoiseshells), and many other pollinators as soon as the first flowers open. The nectar of Lavandula angustifolia is particularly prized by bees, which make a renowned honey from it in the regions where it is grown. By planting several plants (in packs of 6, 12, or 24, depending on your needs), you create a true nectar corridor that supports beneficial insect populations in your garden.