English Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead')

The Lavandula angustifolia ‰ۡÌÝÌáMunstead,‰ۡó» is a favoured species, for its stunning shrubbery that is easy to grow, compact, and very hardy. It looks perfect in any English cottage garden or countryside site. It is a plant that is often used to get rid of pests, as the scent coming from the Lavender can easily deter them. The plant can be used in many ways in cooking, whether that is in biscuits, cake or tea, and can easily be used as a substitute to Rosemary, interestingly- the citrusy, but sweet-like flowers are even edible too.

The English Lavender flowers from May or June through to August time, in which will then attract bees, butterflies and many other (winged) insects or pollinators- also likely to then attract birds. Saying that, if you love to see a bit of wildlife in your garden, this makes the Lavandula angustifolia ‰ۡÌÝÌáMunstead‰ۡó» the ideal plant for you. As well as all this, being an evergreen, the English Lavender can provide an all-year interest and will perfectly complement the pretty, colourful flowers that you see bloom during Summer.

It is recommended that you plant the English Lavender in a sunny position and in free-draining soil. It is important to notice, however, that this plant does not like wet, or shade conditions- especially very cold temperatures. It can easily be grown in containers, gravel, or planters.

• Growth height: Slow (10-20cm per year)
• Ideal height: 0.5m+ Small
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Inland, Sheltered
• Aspect: Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

Similarly, to the Lavender ‰ۡÌÝÌáHidcote,‰ۡó» the English Lavender is easy to look after, and the key to getting the best out of your plant, is a simple bit of pruning. You should do this as soon as the flowers begin to disappear in August. You will have to remove about 1/3 of the plant, and not just the flowers, as this will enable a bit of light to go through to the heart of the plant, therefore allowing new and small shoots to grow a bit before the dormant season comes through (in September)- do not worry, they can easily handle a bit of hard pruning.

When should I plant English Lavender hedging?

The best time to plant your English Lavender is during the spring season.

How far apart do you plant English Lavender plants?

You should space your Lavender plants around 35-40cm apart, depending on how large the plant is - 45cm apart being for larger plants.

How to plant English Lavender:

Fork over the soil nicely and incorporate plenty of grit into the soil if it is quite heavy.

Next, dig a hole that is the same depth but slightly wider than the plant's root ball, and place the plant into the hole. Backfill with the excess soil and press down lightly to secure the plant.

Ensure you then continue to water the plant(s) for the first year after planting - though Lavender will tolerate drought stress, and thrives particularly well in dry soil, so not as much water is needed and the plant can usually look after itself after the first year.