Lavender 'Munstead' (Lavandula angustifolia) - fragrant honey-producing perennial - 12 cm pot - Height 25 cm

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is one of the hardiest lavenders available for temperate gardens. It easily withstands temperatures of -15 °C, or even slightly lower, provided the soil is perfectly drained. Standing water at the roots in winter is far more damaging than the cold itself. In light soil or soil amended with sand, it overwinters in the ground without any protection in the vast majority of regions in France. Only young plants freshly planted in autumn may benefit from a light layer of dry mulch at their base during the first year to secure their establishment.

Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') blooms from June to August, producing long, highly fragrant purple spikes held on upright stems above the silvery foliage. To prolong the flowering and encourage a slight rebloom, simply cut off the faded spikes from mid-July without cutting into the foliage. This light pruning encourages the plant to form new flower stems that sometimes bloom in September. All-day exposure to full sun is also crucial: a well-sunned lavender plant blooms more abundantly and for longer than a plant in partial shade.

Yes, Munstead lavender is very well suited to container growing on a balcony or terrace thanks to its compact habit and moderate size. Choose a container at least 25 to 30 cm in diameter with essential drainage holes, filled with 'a mixture of Mediterranean plant potting mix and coarse sand or pumice (30%). Place the pot in the sunniest corner of your terrace, preferably to the south or west. In a pot, lavender 'dries out faster than 'in the ground: monitor the 'moisture of the substrate and water as soon as the top 2 to 3 cm of the surface is dry.

To create a low, fragrant hedge with Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'), prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 30 cm and incorporating sand or gravel to improve drainage if your soil is heavy. Space the plants 35 to 45 cm apart depending on the desired hedge density: planted closely, they will form a compact ribbon within two seasons; spaced further apart, each plant will develop a beautiful, full individual shape. Plant preferably in spring or early autumn, watering thoroughly at planting.

Munstead Lavender is o'ne of the most effective nectar-producing plants in the garden. Its purple spikes produce abundant nectar and rich pollen that attract a wide variety of pollinators: honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies such as the red admiral or peacock butterfly, and even certain hoverflies and beetles. Throughout its flowering period from June to August, a bed of Munstead Lavender literally buzzes with pollinating activit'y. Planting lavender is therefore a direct way to help preserve local biodiversit'y.

Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') stands out from other true lavender varieties with its particularly compact and stocky growth habit: it generally reaches 30 to 40 cm in height at maturity, compared to 60 to 80 cm for varieties such as 'Hidcote Giant' or 'Vera'. Its flowers are a dense, rich blue-purple, slightly darker than 'Hidcote', which leans more towards indigo, and far more intense than 'Alba', which is white, or 'Rosea', which is pale pink.

To obtain a first flowering by the 'following summer after planting, it is advisable to plant the Munstead Lavender in spring, between April and May, as soon as the risk of late frosts has passed in your region. The plant will then benefit from the entire warm season to 'root and 'establish itself, and will produce its first purple spikes from June-July. An 'autumn planting (September-October) is also possible and allows for gradual rooting before 'winter, but the flowering will only be truly generous 'from the second season on.