My favourite is Munstead because after flowering , which it does profusely at the moment, then I can trim it to a nice tidy compact evergreen hedge ( in my case ) or it could be " bush" if planted separately

As per Inverglen's advice, Munstead Lavender is a dwarf variety and works well in a hedge as it keeps shape easily. Leaves a lovely scent in your hand when you run it through it.

Kildermorie, I remember there used to be two munstead lavenders - one was just called Munstead, the other Munstead Dwarf, with a foot in difference in the height and spread. Yet now, no one stocks the dwarf one, and if you ask about it, they've never heard of it. One of my old gardening books lists them both, so I know I'm not imagining it, are you aware of this?

My lavender hedge is Munstead and was planted about three years ago and when it has finished flowering and is trimmed it is still only about a foot tall and a very neat dense habit too. As far as i am aware I just bought Munstead with no mention of the word dwarf as far as I can remember.

Certainly Munstead Dwarf grew exactly as you describe, but the last time I tried to buy it, only Munstead was available, described as reaching 2 to 2.5 feet. I'm confused...

glad i read this as i was told 'hidcote' was the one to go for for compact growth, or is that just as good?

That's what I was advised as well, Gerberavicki - I planted them in about April, have yet to see how large they do or don't get.

I have a short Hidcote hedge too and I like it too. The flowers are a stronger purple but the habit can become a bit more twiggy unless you prune it correctly. I simply find that Munstead is a much more dense pleasing evergreen shape. As with all gardening, its a matter of personal choice.