Lavender

A Mediterranean plant, lavender thrives in full sun, dry, not-too-rich soil, and frequent pruning. Coveted by all pollinating insects, its enchantingly fragrant flowers are also prized by gardeners, perfumers, and herbalists. Its essential oil has calming, antispasmodic, antidepressant, healing, and cardiotonic properties, among other virtues. Except for butterfly lavender and English lavender, which are not very hardy, most lavender varieties are quite resistant to cold provided they are planted in full sun, in a sheltered location, and in well-drained soil (lavender is susceptible to overwatering). Most will also grow in clay soil. Their growth will then be faster, and they will need pruning twice a year. It is recommended to prune lavender every year at the end of summer to maintain a compact shape and encourage abundant flowering.

It is recommended to cut off the flowers as they fade. Dried, the flowers perfume linens and closets. Lavender is also used in the composition of perfumes, soaps, and various beauty products. An essential oil with numerous beneficial properties is also extracted from it. In particular, it has soothing and healing properties.

This variety of lavender is a dwarf English cultivar with a fairly compact shape and a longer lifespan than other lavenders. Its bluish flower stalks reach a maximum height of about 45 cm. The plants are resistant to both cold and heat but still benefit from mulching in winter. The name "Munstead" refers to "Munstead Woods" in England, where this variety of lavender was cultivated by the famous gardener and landscape designer Gertrude Jekyll. The entire plant is highly aromatic and prized in perfumery. Its flowers are also used in cooking and for making potpourri. Used in traditional herbalism to relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure, as an antiseptic, and to promote good digestion.

Source: True Lavender 'Munstead' (Lavandula angustifolia var. munstead) - Le jardin des vie-la-joie (vielajoie.com) and True Lavender 'Munstead' - Lavandula angustifolia - Le Jardin du Pic Vert