The English Lavender Munstead, a semi hardy fragrant perennial..

About The Lavender Munstead

The English Lavender Munstead is a semi hardy perennial with very fragrant blooms that bloom all summer. Did you know that this Lavender is named after Munstead Woods in Surrey, which was the home of Gertrude Jeckyl a famous garden designer? Neither did I.

This is a dwarf, semi hardy perennial and is topped with sweet fragrant spikes of blue flowers. These flowers are much bluer than other varieties.

Since this variey does not do well planted in clay soil, make sure to amend the soil with organic matter prior to planting. Also, this Lavender does not grow well in hot humid locations. It prefers cooler, drier temperatures and a well drained soil.

If pesticides are not used, this variety can be used for drying, cooking and baking as well as scenting a hot steaming bath.

Great companion plants for the Lavender Munstead: Victoria Blue Salvia, Dusty Miller, Liatris Blazing Star.

Lavender Munstead Features

Drying Your Lavender Munstead

Drying your Lavender is quite easy providing you follow these simple rules:

Once the stems are harvested there are 3 things to avoid:

Here's what I do:

After cutting the stems I first use a rubber band to hold the stems together. Then I tie them together using a soft cord or raffia ribbon. Try not to put too many stems in one bunch...they won't dry properly as air will not be able to circulate through the bunch.

Finding an area in the house that is dry, dark and not too warm can be a challenge. I hang mine upside down (keeps them straight).

I have an area closet in my basement where I have swing out metal hangers (the kind that you adhere to the back of a door for dish towels). I slide the rubber band/raffia over the hangers a leave to dry out.

I check on them every few days.

If you prefer to just dry the buds, they can be removed by hand and dried on a cookie sheet or other flat surface. Once completely dried (about 10 days), store in a glass jar or a zip-lock bag. These too need to be kept away from heat, moisture and light.

I enjoy making linen drawer sachets with the dried buds and giving them away as gifts.

How To Make a 4" Square Lavender Drawer Sachet:

You will need - material, scissors, measuring tape, glue gun and glue sticks, (or needle and thread), dried lavender, essential oil/lavender

1. In a bowl mix the dried Lavender with 2-3 drops of the Lavender essential oil (increase drops if you are making several sachets)
2. 2 pieces of material measuring 4.5". The extra 1/2 inch is for the all around hem (or whatever size you want, just remember to leave 1/2" for hemming).
3. Lay 1 piece with good side up.

4. Take your glue gun and run a bead of hot glue on the 3 sides of leaving one side open.
5. Quickly lay the second piece on top of the first piece with good side down and press firmly so the glue aheres the pieces together. (both good sides will be facing each other.
6. If no glue gun is available, stitching the sides works just as well.
7. Once the glue has dried, turn the sachet inside out and you will be left with a perfect square sachet, good side out.
8. Fill the sachet with the dried Lavender
9. To close the sachet carefully take one of the open sides and fold 1/4" of the material inwards. Do the same with the other side and hot glue them together.
10. If not gluing, repeat the same method of folding and sew the two sides together.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

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