Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead'
Munstead English Lavender

- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 20 to 30 inches
- Flower color
- Lavender-blue spikes
- Foliage color
- Gray-green, narrow, lacy leaves
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and bees
About this plant
Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its fragrant gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Blooming in early to mid-summer, the flowers create a calming, aromatic display that enhances garden beds, borders, and containers. The plant's sweet-smelling blossoms are commonly used in sachets, oils, and herbal arrangements, adding both aesthetic and practical value to the garden.
Originating from the Mediterranean region, 'Munstead' thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens or xeriscaping. Its smaller size and neat, bushy growth habit make it perfect for smaller spaces or container gardening. The plant is also known for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological health of the garden while providing long-lasting, aromatic blooms throughout the summer.
Works well in
Mediterranean Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Barberry · Butterfly bush · Feverfew · False sunflower · Chives · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Use ‘Munstead’ along the front of a sunny border or in containers where its compact, bushy form can be appreciated up close. Lavender-blue flower spikes rise above fragrant gray-green foliage in summer, creating a defined combination of color, texture, and fragrance.
