7-7-09: Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' We are coming to the lavender time of year - June, July and August.

This is the time of year when the plants flower. Lavender is so attractive to all of us and the honey bees as well as the skippers, praying mantis and hummingbirds. Lavender makes folks happy. It cuts well for bouquets fresh and dried, it smells sweet and clean and often takes us somewhere besides here - imagine a visit to an Italian villa, a walk in the French countryside or seeing a wild plant growing on a rocky mountain in Mexico. Sometimes it takes us to a memory; grandmother’s soap, wedding flowers or sweet pound cake served under apple trees.

Lavender is from the Mediterranean region of the world. When the Romans gallivanted around the world and conquered lands they also distributed plants. That is how lavender came to England hence the name English lavender. One of these is Munstead lavender that comes from the Munstead Woods in Surrey which was the home of Gertrude Jekyll, famous garden designer.

Munstead’s claim to fame besides its loveliness is its cold hardiness, compactness (two feet by two feet with blooms), and ability to pop back after being cut back hard (around Mother’s Day). Being cold hardy, it will easily grow in the eastern region of Oregon, thriving in the Bend and Redmond area. Plant in full sun, well drained soil or in a container. Lavenders like a sweet soil so add a bit of lime and then mulch well with blended mint compost to feed the plants and discourage weeds.

Grow lavender in mass planting for a dramatic display of color and fragrance. Plant with like plants - rosemary, sage, grasses and other plants that like sunny areas. A great gift to take to a friend is a large sweet bunch of lavender.

Pleasant Hill Nursery is pleased to offer:

Lavadula angustifolia 'Munstead' in #3's: Call for Prices & to Check Availability