Lavender should be cut back around mid-summer, usually in July or August, to promote new growth and to provide an overall neat and tidy appearance to your plant. It is important to wait until flowering has ended so that you won’t risk cutting off any buds.
When cutting the plant back, use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove dead, woody stalks and leaves. This will encourage growth and ensure that it will become bushier in the following year. It’s best to avoid over-pruning lavender and to only do a light trimming each season.
Don’t be tempted to give it a full pruning every year – this will significantly reduce flowering in the upcoming season and can even lead to a long-term decline in health.
Should you deadhead Munstead lavender?
Yes, you should deadhead Munstead lavender to encourage a full, robust display of flowers and fragrant foliage. Deadheading the flowers not only promotes a healthier plant, but also allows you to enjoy more lavender throughout the season.
To deadhead, simply snip or pinch off spent or faded blossoms. You can deadhead lavender after flowering to create a neater and more compact form, as well as control the spread of the plant. This can be done any time of the year, though it’s best to deadhead Munstead lavender before the first set of blooms appears in late spring, as this encourages even more blooms.
Additionally, deadheading helps prevent the plant from bolting, or going to seed, which can cause the plant to become less vigorous and less floriferous in the future.
Is lavender Munstead Hardy?
Yes, Lavender Munstead is a hardy perennial herb that is part of the mint family. It was developed by Gertrude Jekyll in England in 1916 and is a popular selection when it comes to the herbaceous lavenders.
It is highly fragrant, blooming from summer until early fall with its most distinct color being deep purple. It is especially hardy and is known to tolerate colder climates and drought-like conditions better than most other varieties of lavender.
This hardiness also makes it a great choice for gardeners that live in more extreme climates.
Can you cut lavender back to the ground?
Yes, it is possible to cut lavender back to the ground, although this is a more extreme measure. Pruning lavender plants helps them to have a tidy, attractive shape and to encourage a new flush of growth.
Any pruning will also help reduce the risk of your lavender becoming too large and encroaching on other plants nearby. Pruning can be done at any time of the year and if done correctly will not harm the lavender plant.
Cutting back lavender to the ground generally means removing all the stems and leaves, leaving just the woody base of the plant. Depending on the size of the plant, it might be advisable to cut the stems back to about three inches above ground level.
This is because lavender is prone to rot and gets vulnerable to fungal diseases, especially when excess moisture can become trapped at the base of the plant. Cutting back to the ground can often be a last resort, as it can take a long time for the plant to recover and establish new growth.
What do you do with lavender plants in the fall?
In the fall, lavender plants need special attention because they won’t survive over winter in most places. The specific steps you should take to get your lavender plants ready for winter depend on your climate, but the general rule of thumb is this: once the temperatures begin to dip and the days start to cool, it’s time to start preparing your lavender for the cold.
First, you should trim the plants back to promote new growth. If you’d like to save the lavender for the following season, you can also store the pruned stems for propagation in the spring.
Once the plants are pruned, it’s time to rearrange the lavender bed and make sure that the plants are protected from harsh weather conditions. A layer or two of mulch can help insulate the soil, while mulching around the plants can help lower the risk of cold damage.
You should also cover any exposed areas of the plants to prevent damage.
In some climates, it can also be important to make sure the lavender stays hydrated during the winter, particularly during periods of ice and frost. If you plan to keep the lavender plants alive you will probably need to water them, so make sure you have access to a water source all winter.
Finally, it can be a good idea to bring any lavender plants indoors for the winter, particularly if you live in an area where temperatures routinely drop below freezing. If you decide to bring them inside, make sure you transplant them into pots and place them near a window that receives plenty of light.
Ultimately, taking the time to care for your lavender plants in the fall can make all the difference come springtime.
Can I deadhead lavender in winter?
Yes, you can deadhead lavender in winter depending on your climate. Deadheading is important in promoting additional blooms and preventing the plant from going to seed. If you are in a milder climate, you may want to go ahead and deadhead anytime after your first real frost in winter to keep the lavender blooming longer.
In colder climates, it may be best to wait until the danger of a hard freeze has passed. When deadheading, be sure to leave some of the flowers and trim the stems back to where there are still active leaves.
This will allow the plant the best chance of continuing to produce more blooms. Keep in mind that in colder climes, the lavender may become dormant entirely in the winter and deadheading may not be beneficial.
How do you take care of a lavender butterfly?
Caring for a lavender butterfly requires providing a healthy environment, diet, and habitat. First, when selecting a butterfly habitat, it is important to choose one that meets the size and shelter needs of the lavender butterfly.
The habitat should allow for enough airflow and be spacious enough for the butterfly to flutter freely and rest. Temperature and humidity levels need to be carefully monitored to ensure the environment is comfortable for the butterfly, with a moderate temperature range of 65 to 80°F and a relative humidity level between 40 – 70%.
Second, a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is also essential for the health and well-being of the lavender butterfly. Store-bought caterpillars, flowers and leaves are commercially available and can be used to provide nourishment.
It is important to avoid processed or sugary foods such as bread, honey, and fruit that can lead to a nutrient deficiency. It is also beneficial to supplement their diet with fresh sources of protein such as fresh mushy banana, apple slices, pears, and roasted peanuts.
Finally, lavender butterflies will benefit from a variety of specific care and attention. Offer daily assurance that they are being cared for, and keep the habitat clean. Inspect the wings and body of the butterfly regularly to ensure they are healthy and free from parasites.
Also ensure that the outside plants that caterpillars may feed on also have no pesticide or insecticide residue on them. Providing these basics for the butterfly will help them live a long and healthy life.
How long does it take for lavender to bloom flowers?
The amount of time it takes for lavender to bloom flowers depends on a range of factors, such as the type of lavender you are growing, the conditions of your climate and garden, and when you started the growing season.
Generally speaking, most lavender varieties bloom in the late spring or early summer. However, some varieties won’t flower until the end of summer or early autumn, and there are varieties that will produce blooms all summer long.
Planting at the appropriate time for your region and variety will give you the best chance for blooms. Lavender also prefers full sun, mild temperatures, and well drained soil. If these conditions are ideal, you can expect your lavender to bloom in anywhere from 6-8 weeks after planting.
Does Munstead lavender bloom all summer?
Yes, Munstead lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Munstead) blooms all summer long, from June through to September. This popular variety of lavender is an evergreen shrub with an aromatic aroma and bright purple flowers that contrast beautifully against the dark green foliage.
Munstead lavender requires sunny, well-drained soil and benefits from an annual pruning to ensure it remains compact and neat. Once established, Munstead lavender can provide an abundant display of fragrant flowers for the summer months.
To ensure your lavender blooms for an entire season, it’s best to deadhead any spent flowers and also provide regular water and nutrition throughout the summer months.
Does lavender bloom first year?
The answer to the question of whether lavender will bloom it its first year depends on the type of lavender. English lavender and French lavender, which are the most common types, can bloom the first year, but Spanish and Portuguese lavender can take up to three years before blooming.
Newly planted lavender will require plenty of sunlight to encourage blooming. It is also important to keep the soil well-drained and to cut back the spent flower heads and foliage to encourage new growth.
With the right growing conditions and plenty of care, you can expect to see some blooms during the first year.
How fast does Munstead lavender grow?
Munstead lavender is a variety of Lavandula angustifolia, which is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. Munstead is a popular variety of lavender due to its compact size and beautiful, fragrant blooms.
It grows to an average height of 2 to 3 feet, and can spread up to 3 feet wide. It usually takes about 1 to 2 years for the plants to reach maturity, during which time you can expect it to grow about 1 foot per year.
In ideal conditions, it can grow in height up to 24 inches from April through June. However, mild winter conditions or high humidity can result in plants becoming overgrown, so regular pruning is recommended.
What is the difference between munstead and English lavender?
Munstead and English Lavender are both types of lavender and belong to the same genus, Lavandula. However, they have a few key distinctions that set them apart. Munstead lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a native British lavender that was developed by Gertrude Jekyll in the early 1900s.
It grows to a height of about 24 inches (60 cm) and produces fragrant, bright purple flower spikes, usually in summer. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia var. major) is a subspecies of Munstead that is also native to Britain.
It is characterized by its unique gray-green foliage, its sweet aroma, and its tall and imposing growth habit, soaring up to 40 inches (100 cm). English Lavender has a more intense fragrance than Munstead and its flowers last longer.
Additionally, the stems of English Lavender are too long to use for drying, whereas, the stems of Munstead are more suitable for it. Thus, English Lavender is better suited for landscaping and ornamental purposes.
