Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
lavender
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is a compact and exceptionally beautiful cultivar of English lavender. It is named after the renowned Arts...
Deepest violet-blue flowers on this neat pristine lavender with dense small spikes that jump out of the border on hot, sun-baked summer days - crisp hedging too
Plant description
This aromatic shrub typically reaches a height and spread of 60cm x 60cm (24in x 24in). It creates a neat, mounded form perfect for traditional and contemporary garden designs.
Lavender 'Hidcote' is a versatile and rewarding addition to the garden. Use it as an elegant edging plant, a fragrant addition to herb gardens, or a structural design element. The compact form, intense purple flower colour, and intoxicating fragrance make it a true classic. It promises years of sensory delight with relatively low maintenance.
Fragrant blooms and foliage
Gardeners celebrate English lavender 'Hidcote' for its dense flower spikes of intensely fragrant, deep violet flowers. These appear from mid to late summer, usually from June to August. These striking blooms rise above slender, aromatic, silvery-grey foliage that remains attractive year-round. The vibrant flowers and tactile, scented leaves make this variety of lavender a true sensory delight in the garden.Versatile garden uses
'Hidcote' is renowned for its versatility in garden design. Its compact form makes it possibly the best lavender for lavender hedging. Use it to edge borders and pathways where you can brush against its aromatic foliage to release a delightful perfume as you pass. It excels in gravel gardens, adding structure and Mediterranean flair.Achieve a more contemporary look in modern garden schemes by regularly pruning lavender plants into formal spheres. Unclipped, Lavender ‘Hidcote’ does spread which is part of its charm.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
Wildlife-friendly wonder
Beyond its ornamental value, 'Hidcote' is a magnet for wildlife. Its nectar-rich flower heads are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Using this lavender plant in your outdoor space adds beauty and fragrance and supports local biodiversity.Companion planting and collections
'Hidcote' pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant plants such as Salvia (e.g. cultivars of Salvia nemorosa). They share similar water and full sun requirements and complement the lavender's colour with shades of purple, blue, or white.A classic companion for herb gardens and pots is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). A Mediterranean herb that thrives in the same dry, free-draining soil conditions.
Try combining it with roses for a classic English garden look, or with ornamental grasses and euphorbia for a more contemporary feel. Consider our Edible Flowers Plant & Seed Combination for a ready-made, sensory combination. It pairs lavender 'Hidcote' with other aromatic and ornamental herbs for a fragrant, edible, and visually appealing display.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote:
How far apart to plant Hidcote lavender? When planting, space lavender about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart to allow for their mature spread. 'Hidcote' is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens. However, young plants will benefit from regular watering during their first few growing seasons.
How to prune English lavender?
To maintain its compact shape and promote longevity, prune 'Hidcote' lightly after flowering. Cut back the flower stalks and about 2.5cm (1in) of the current year's growth. Avoid cutting into old wood, as lavender doesn't regenerate well from bare stems.In containers, ensure excellent drainage by mixing grit into a peat-free, loam-based compost. Feed container-grown plants sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser.
Lavender is susceptible to root rot in heavy, wet soils, so ensure good drainage, especially in winter. In colder regions, you should provide winter protection (such as covering with horticultural fleece), or grow plants in containers that you can move to a sheltered spot during prolonged or severe frost.
GOES WELL WITH
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