Lavender 'Hidcote'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
At a Glance
| Botanical name | Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | — |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant type | shrub (evergreen shrub) |
| Height × Spread | 60 cm × 60–90 cm |
| Hardiness | H5 (to -10.0 °C) · RHS AGM |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained chalk, loam or sand; neutral to alkaline pH; low to moderate fertility |
| Flowering | July–August |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested |
| Native range | Mediterranean basin (Spain, France, Italy) |
Where not stated for this variety, details follow the species Lavandula angustifolia.
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' stands as a quintessential choice for British gardens, renowned for its compact habit and enduring appeal as a classic hedge lavender. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, it embodies the reliable beauty of true lavender without requiring exceptional conditions.
Overview
This compact cultivar is distinguished by its dense, low-growing form and deep violet flowers, making it a staple for structured borders and hedges. Its RHS AGM status confirms its outstanding garden performance and reliability.
Appearance
Reaching a height of 60 cm, it features silver-grey foliage and produces deep violet flowers on spikes during mid-summer. The plant maintains a neat, rounded shape throughout the growing season.
Growing and Care
It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, avoiding continuously damp conditions. As a species, it prefers Mediterranean climates with wet winters and dry summers, tolerating hardiness down to H6 (USDA zone 5) and favouring neutral to alkaline soils.
In the Garden
Ideal for edging, low hedges, or formal borders, its compact size and rich colour make it a versatile, low-maintenance feature that provides seasonal interest and fragrance. #Hidcote #Lavender #GardenLavender #CompactLavender #RHSAGM #MidsummerFlowers #BritishGardening #EvergreenShrub
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary beetle | Metallic green-and-purple striped beetles; notched leaves from late summer | Hand-pick adults and larvae; encourage birds and ground beetles; tolerate light damage |
| Froghopper (cuckoo spit) | Frothy white foam on stems in early summer | Harmless to established plants; dislodge with a jet of water if unsightly |
| Grey mould (Botrytis) | Fuzzy grey growth and dieback in wet, crowded conditions | Improve drainage and air flow; cut out affected growth; avoid overhead watering |
Quick Care Summary
| Sunlight | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained chalk, loam or sand; neutral to alkaline pH; low to moderate fertility |
| Hardiness | H5 (-10.0 °C) |
| Sow | February–March |
| Plant | April, May, September |
| Prune | August–September |
Facts sourced from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula_angustifolia (cultivar row of lavandula-angustifolia; unstated details inherited from the species)
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