James H. Schutte
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Plant Common Name
English Lavender, Hidcote English Lavender
General Description
The compact and beautiful 'Hidcote' is a classic lavender with rich lavender-purple flowers. It is a heavy bloomer, and its tidy, compact habit makes it ideal for smaller garden spaces.
English lavender is an aromatic, evergreen garden herb that thrives in summer heat and dry weather. It is technically a subshrub, which means it behaves like a perennial but develops woody stems over time. This Western European species is more tolerant of moister growing conditions, which is why it is commonly grown in England, though it still thrives in heat and drought. It develops a rounded, bushy habit and has fragrant, linear leaves of pale gray-green that turn steely gray in winter.
Lavender blooms in late spring to midsummer, producing many slender, upright stems topped with spikes of densely clustered, lavender-purple flowers. The highly fragrant blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. They turn brown as they age and should be removed once spent to keep the plants looking tidy.
Growing success depends on light levels and soil drainage; full sun and sharply drained soil are essential. Moist winter weather is especially detrimental and can lead to root and stem rot and eventually plant death. Its stems become quite woody and coarse looking over time. Plants of this age and constitution should be pruned back quite severely in spring. This will encourage a new flush of foliage, which will keep plants looking young and fresh.
Lavender flowers have been used in perfumes, poultices and potpourris for centuries, so this evergreen is a staple plant for the herb garden. If preparing the blooms for potpourri and sachets, cut them while fresh and hang them to dry. English lavender is also a fine choice for edging, containers and sunny dry spots where fragrance and summer color are needed.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Herb
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Width
30"-30" / 76.2cm - 76.2cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Eastern Europe, Mediterranean
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Lavender
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Silver, Gray
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
