English lavender ‘Hidcote’ gains its common name from how well it grows in England’s climate, although the plant is native to the Mediterranean region. With silvery-gray foliage and narrower leaves than the parent, this purplish-blue cylindrical flower is comprised of tiny tubular spikes and gives off a heady scent.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Hidcote Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ as it is botanically named, is considered one of the best lavenders to grow. With its wonderfully fragrant, purple flowers that tower above its green-gray, needle-like foliage, it is a trusted perennial for any sunny spot. Hidcote Lavender remains low and tends to reach a maximum of 18 inches tall. Loved by pollinators, it will attract all sorts of wildlife into the garden.
Hidcote Lavender is tough and tolerant of hot and dry spells when established. It blooms from early summer onwards and can be grown in zones 5 to 8. Although loved by many insects, it is thankfully resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes it ideal for both urban and rural gardens. It is native to the Mediterranean and can be grown individually or in groups. A low-maintenance perennial plant, its flowers are used for cut flowers, drying, crafts and even culinary uses.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
English lavender ‘Hidcote’ thrives in direct sun. This plant is native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and Africa, so it is adapted to grow under full sun. So, if you plan to grow english lavender ‘Hidcote’ in your garden, it is best to plant it in a sunny spot.
Temperature
English lavender ‘Hidcote’ loves warmth and prefers to grow in a sunny spot. It is a very drought-tolerant plant and doesn’t require much water to grow. However, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ requires more frequent watering during establishment and first blossoming season compared to established, mature plants.
Watering
Originating from the Mediterranean, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ thrives in dry, sunny environments and has adapted to survive with minimal water. Its drought tolerance is remarkable, requiring a deep but infrequent watering regimen, ideally once every week. As an evergreen plant, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ retains its foliage year-round, necessitating less frequent hydration compared to deciduous species. Given its preference for well-draining soil and moderate temperatures, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ is often grown outdoors where it can benefit from natural rainfall patterns without the risk of overwatering.
Soil
English lavender ‘Hidcote’ likes medium-rich to poor soils. If you want to grow this plant for essential oils, you can encourage their production by planting the english lavender ‘Hidcote’ in a lean soil.
English lavender ‘Hidcote’ thrives in lean, well-drained soils that are more on the dry side. They also prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH value from 6.7 to 7.3.
Fertilizing
To optimize english lavender ‘Hidcote”s growth and bloom, use balanced fertilizers, with equal NPK ratios, at half strength. Apply once in early spring as english lavender ‘Hidcote’ emerges from dormancy and again after the first bloom to encourage robust growth. Over-fertilization can harm english lavender ‘Hidcote’, so adhere strictly to recommended quantities. In colder months, cease feeding to allow english lavender ‘Hidcote’ to rest. Water the soil before and after fertilization to prevent root burn and aid nutrient absorption.
Planting Instructions
It is best to get new english lavender ‘Hidcote’ plants from developed seedlings, considering that their seeds have a lower success rate. If planting in USDA zones 1-6, the recommended time of planting is spring to early summer. If planting in warmer areas (USDA zones 7-10), you can plant your english lavender ‘Hidcote’ at the start of the autumn so the root system can establish during the winter. Mix some gravel with the planting soil rather than compost, in order to improve the soil drainage. When done, water the plant generously to compress the soil and remove any air pockets.
Pruning
Once established, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ requires minimal maintenance and pruning. As the plant gets older, the base of the stems will grow woody, so prune it back by about half of its size when the spring comes. This will promote new growth and fuller blooms. Also, english lavender ‘Hidcote’ that is not pruned from time to time tends to sprawl and create a hole in the middle of the bush. Lastly, remove the spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Use sharp tools and always disinfect them before use to avoid contamination.
Propagation
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English lavender ‘Hidcote’ is a popular perennial herb prized for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. For effective propagation, take semi-ripe cuttings from new growth that has partially hardened. Use a rooting hormone to encourage development and plant in a well-draining soil mix under conditions with plenty of light but not direct sun. Maintaining a consistent moisture level without overwatering is crucial during the rooting process. Ensuring good air circulation can prevent fungal problems, allowing for a successful establishment of new english lavender ‘Hidcote’ plants.
Transplanting
English lavender ‘Hidcote’ thrives when transplanted from early to late spring due to optimal weather. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot to encourage growth. Ensure soil consistency matches initial planting site for best results. Avoid excessive handling to reduce stress.
III. Uses and Benefits
English Lavender ‘Hidecote’ is the fragrant perennial famous for it’s soothing scent commonly used in essential oils and perfumes. This type of lavender is edible and is considered to be of culinary value.
Lavender is often found in herb gardens, but can also be used as ornamental pieces throughout a landscape. When planted in mass, the sea of purple flowers that emerge in mid summer can be standout borders along fences or gardens.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
You should harvest english lavender ‘Hidcote’ when nearly half of the buds are open. The harvesting process should be conducted early morning because that is the time of the day when the flowers have the highest concentration of essential oils. Cut the stem as low to the base as possible, and when you have a handful of flowers, make a bundle and secure it with a rubber band for drying.
You can use the dry english lavender ‘Hidcote’ as a moth repellent and make herb sachets for your closets. These sachets will be effective for some time as the flowers can stay fragrant for many months when packed like this.
