Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Common name: English Lavender Hidcote

Description: This classic English lavender cultivar is prized for its intensely fragrant, deep purple-blue flower spikes and compact, neat habit. From mid-summer, numerous flower stems emerge above the aromatic silver-grey foliage, creating a stunning display that attracts clouds of pollinators. Each flower spike is densely packed with small tubular flowers that release their distinctive, calming fragrance into the surrounding air. The narrow, evergreen leaves are equally aromatic when brushed or crushed. 'Hidcote' is one of the darkest-flowered lavenders available and forms a dense, rounded mound that makes it ideal for low hedging, edging pathways, or container planting. Both flowers and foliage can be harvested for drying and use in potpourri or sachets.

Other benefits: highly fragrant flowers and foliage, excellent for cutting and drying, can be used for low hedging, drought tolerant once established, deer resistant

Wildlife attraction: bees, butterflies, other pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.5m x 0.6m

Position: best in full sun; requires good light for optimal flowering and fragrance

Soil pH: prefers neutral to alkaline soil; thrives in chalky conditions

Moisture: low watering requirements once established; excellent drought tolerance; must have well-drained soil, particularly in winter

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -15°C