English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most widely grown varieties of lavender, and is sometimes known as ‘true’ lavender or lavandula officinalis. It is native to Mediterranean Europe, growing wild throughout much of the region.
It is a shrubby, evergreen perennial, with narrow, pointed leaves and slender stems that produce fragrant purple, pink and white flowers on one side of the stem. The scent is a sweet, woody aroma and the essential oil has been used for a variety of purposes, including in perfumes, soaps and gels.
Munstead lavender (Lavandula munstead) is another widely cultivated type of lavender. It was developed in the late 19th century and was named after Gertrude Jekyll’s garden at Munstead Woods in Surrey, England.
It is much more compact and quite bushy in appearance, with a stem height of only 15-30 cm. The flowers are a deep, dusky purple and have a more herbal, camphor-like aroma than English lavender, while the essential oil has a more medicinal quality.
It is not as drought tolerant as English lavender, but is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can be grown in most soils.
What is another name for English lavender?
The English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a type of aromatic flowering plant which is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Africa, as well as certain regions of Asia. Its common names include Common Lavender, True Lavender, and Garden Lavender.
Other names for this plant include English Lavender, Narrow-Leaf Lavender, and Common Garden Lavender.
What kind of lavender is munstead?
Munstead is an English lavender cultivar and one of the six most popular English lavender cultivars among gardeners. This variety was developed by English lavender expert Gertrude Jekyll in 1912. Munstead lavender is a smaller, more compact variety that is easy to manage, making it a great choice for home gardeners.
It reaches a height of 12-18 inches, producing fragrant, deep purple flowers. Munstead lavender is a great choice for those wanting to attract pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. It is also perfect for making a fragrant flower hedge, for dry gardens, and for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
It also has a long blooming season – late spring to early autumn.
What is Munstead lavender used for?
Munstead lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular variety of lavender that is widely used for a variety of purposes. The fragrant, purple-blue flowers are perfect for cutting and drying as a beautiful dried floral decoration.
They are also used to make lavender oil, which is great for aromatherapy. The oil is also used in soaps, lotions, cleaning products and even in perfumes. Plus, it can be used as a natural pest repellent in things like sachets and herbal mixes.
Munstead lavender is also a key ingredient in recipes such as lavender sugar, lavender jam and lavender ice-cream. In the garden, Munstead lavender is an easy to grow, low-maintenance plant with fragrant flowers that attract bees of all kinds.
It’s an excellent feature plant and looks fantastic when planted in pots, borders and hedges. Its aromatic leaves can also be harvested for dried flower arrangements, potpourri and scented bags. Munstead lavender is a versatile and popular variety that offers pleasure and practicality in many contexts.
Should I cut back Munstead lavender?
It depends on the size of the Munstead Lavender that you have and the conditions of your environment. Generally, Munstead Lavender is an easy-care shrub that does not need to be pruned very often. If your Munstead Lavender is healthy and growing well, it’s best to leave it alone and only prune it when needed.
If the shrub becomes too large, then you can reduce its size by gently pruning it in late spring to early summer after it finishes flowering. Make sure to avoid pruning the flower stems, as they are the main source of the shrub’s flowers.
Additionally, you should also remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossed, twisted, or weak branches. When pruning your Munstead Lavender, use clean, sharp pruning shears to ensure an even cut and minimize the chance of disease.
Is Munstead lavender toxic to dogs?
No, it is not believed that Munstead lavender is toxic to dogs. While it can cause an upset stomach if ingested, no reports of significant harm from ingestion exist. However, if you are concerned about your dog eating the lavender, it is better to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach of pets.
Additionally, be aware that essential oils, such as lavender oil, can cause serious health problems in dogs if not used properly, so it is best to talk to your veterinarian before using lavender oil on or around your pet.
Do deer like eating lavender?
Because of this, it is difficult to state definitively whether deer like eating lavender or not. Some gardeners may report that deer have been seen enjoying the taste of lavender, but it is impossible to make a generalized statement about the preference of all deer.
Deer are browsers and their diet consists of tree bark, leaves, twigs, and flowers. Plants like lavender are most likely not part of their regular diet. Deer may try lavender if they’ve exhausted other sources of food, or if the lavender is within easy reach.
Lavender is known to be aromatic and pleasant to humans, but it may not be very appealing or tasty to deer.
Deer will eat almost anything they can if they are desperate and have run out of other food, including lavender. Some techniques, such as adding herbs to the garden that have a scent that deer do not like, could be used.
There are also a variety of other deer deterrents available, such as fences and repellents, that may help keep deer away from your garden.
Which type of lavender is best?
The best type of lavender ultimately depends on what you plan to do with it. Different lavenders are better suited for different types of use. For instance, if you want to use the lavender for culinary purposes, then the best type of lavender to use is culinary lavender.
This type of lavender has a milder flavor than other varieties, making it the perfect choice for adding flavor to a dish.
If you are looking for a lavender to use in your garden, then English Lavender is considered to be the best type of lavender for gardens. It is highly fragrant, produces a long-lasting bloom, and is relatively easy to maintain.
For aromatherapy purposes, then spike lavender is the ideal choice. Its high levels of potent essential oils make it an ideal choice for those looking to use it for its soothing and calming qualities.
The type of lavender you choose ultimately depends on its purpose. Researching and understanding the differences between each type can help you to make the best choice for your needs.
What variety is true lavender?
True lavender, also known as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a sweet-smelling shrub that produces purple flowers and has a strong, fragrant aroma. The shrub is native to Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, and has been cultivated for centuries for its essential oil.
It is a perennial plant that can reach up to two feet tall, and thrives in sunny, dry climates. Its essential oils are used in many spa treatments and cosmetics, and its flowers are used for teas, potpourris, and for dried flower arrangements.
True lavender is a beautiful, fragrant flowering plant used for landscaping, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
What is the easiest lavender to grow?
The easiest lavender to grow is English lavender (Lavendula angustifolia). It is a hardy, drought-tolerant variety that will thrive in most parts of the garden. It grows best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and it prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH.
English lavender has beautiful fragrant flowers and is widely used in herbal medicine and aromatherapy. It is one of the easiest herbs to grow, and its low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for those looking to grow lavender with minimal effort.
How can I tell what kind of lavender I have?
When it comes to determining what kind of lavender you have, there’s a few different steps you can take. First, you’ll want to inspect the plant itself and look for any distinguishing characteristics.
Lavender typically comes in several different varieties, and there are some variations among lavenders, such as English and French Lavender. English Lavender typically has a more aromatic scent and larger plants, while French Lavender is more light and delicate in scent, with smaller plants.
They also tend to have different shaped flowers.
You can also look for any markings or labels on the plant itself or in the store where you purchased it. This can often be a good source of information as to what variety of lavender you have. Additionally, you can also research online for other clues as to what kind of lavender you have based on any photographs you find.
Once you’ve gathered all of your information and clues, you can concluded which variety of lavender you have. If you’re still unsure of what type of lavender you have, consider talking to a local gardening expert or expert in your area to help you identify your plant.
Which lavender grows the fastest?
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing varieties of lavender. While its growth rate can vary depending on the temperature, it is typically a very vigorous grower and can reach heights of two to three feet in ideal conditions.
English lavender also blooms much earlier than other varieties, which makes it a great choice for gardeners looking for a fast-acting, long-lasting garden flower. Other varieties of lavender that are known to be both fast-growing and disease-resistant include French lavender (Lavandula dentata), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).
These varieties have been hybridized from English lavender and are usually shorter plants with fewer stems, but they are generally very hardy and drought-resistant, making them a great addition to any garden.
How long does it take for Munstead lavender to flower?
Munstead lavender generally takes 8 to 9 weeks to flower once it is planted, although this time can vary slightly depending on the weather conditions. In the early stages of growth, these vibrant purple flowers need cooler and moister weather.
As the plant matures, it will prefer mild and dry temperatures to help promote blooming. Once the flowering season has reached full bloom, you should start seeing beautiful, fragrant blooms in 8-9 weeks.
Which is better munstead or Hidcote lavender?
The answer to which type of lavender, Munstead or Hidcote, is better ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both varieties offer a wealth of benefits and are easy to maintain.
Munstead is an English lavender variety, and is known for its long-flowering period and rapid growth. It is also highly resilient to cold or wet climates, and grows well in both full sun and partial shade.
The flowers of munstead lavender are highly fragrant and are a vibrant shade of purple-blue.
Hidcote is also an English lavender variety, but its fragrance is more subtle than munstead. The flowers of Hidcote tend to be smaller and darker in color, ranging from deep blues and purples to sometimes white.
This variety has a slower growth rate than munstead, making it easier to control its shape and size, and it is also very tolerant of dry or windy climates.
Due to its fast growth, Munstead is a great choice for gardeners who want an instant impact and prefer a bright, colorful garden. Hidcote, on the other hand, is beneficial to those who wish for a more subtle look with a longer-lasting bloom.
Ultimately, lavender enthusiasts should select the variety that best suits their environment and desired aesthetic.
Is Munstead lavender the same as English lavender?
No, Munstead lavender is not the same as English lavender. Munstead is a variety of Lavandula angustifolia, which is more commonly known as English lavender, but it is a bit different. Munstead is a cultivar of English lavender, which was created by and named after famous British gardener, Gertrude Jekyll.
It is a short bushy shrub with deep purple flowers, and grows to a maximum height of about two feet. English lavender is generally taller, reaching heights of three to four feet. Both Munstead and English lavender are excellent for use in gardens and container gardens due to the pleasant aromas they produce, but Munstead is especially well-suited for growing in containers.
Additionally, Munstead lavender is known for its ability to survive in cold climates and is a good choice for growing as a border or in a mass planting.