How to Grow Lavender 'Hidcote'
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Lavender 'Hidcote'
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
shrubHidcote lavender is a compact, highly fragrant English lavender cultivar prized for its deep purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It reaches 12-18 inches tall and blooms prolifically from early to mid-summer, making it ideal for borders, containers, and cut flowers. This cold-hardy variety is one of the most popular ornamental lavenders for temperate climates.
When should you plant Lavender 'Hidcote' in your zone?
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Example Lavender 'Hidcote' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lavender 'Hidcote'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lavender 'Hidcote'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 5-9; best in cool to warm temperate climates
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Establishment (Spring)
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop root systems and bushy growth with silvery-green linear foliage emerging.
Water weekly until established (4-6 weeks). Avoid waterlogging. Mulch lightly with gravel around base, not piled against stems. Pinch back tips to encourage bushiness.
Vegetative Growth (Late Spring)
4-6 weeksPlant fills out and produces dense, needle-like foliage; buds begin to form along the stems.
Reduce watering as plant establishes. No fertilizer needed; lean soil promotes better flowering. Remove any dead or diseased wood.
Flowering (Early to Mid-Summer)
6-8 weeksDense spikes of deep purple, highly fragrant flowers bloom along the entire plant. Peak bloom usually June-July.
Do not overwater during bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued flowering and maintain shape. Cut flowers in the morning after dew dries for best fragrance.
Post-Bloom (Late Summer)
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and seeds develop; plant growth slows as it enters dormancy preparation.
Stop watering unless drought conditions occur. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and wildlife benefit. Do not fertilize.
Dormancy/Overwintering (Fall-Winter)
4-5 monthsFoliage remains evergreen and silvery; growth halts. Plant is fully cold-hardy.
No watering needed in most climates; natural rainfall is sufficient. Avoid heavy mulching that traps moisture around stems. Do not prune in fall; prune in early spring after last frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles; prune and remove infested stems. Spray neem oil in early morning if severe.
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Prevent through excellent drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove and destroy severely affected plants. Improve soil drainage with sand/gravel.
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Spray with strong water stream to remove nymphs; use insecticidal soap if populations are high.
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Increase humidity slightly; spray with miticide or neem oil. These are rare on lavender in humid conditions.
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Ensure excellent air circulation and full sun. Avoid overhead watering. Prune to open up plant structure. Sulfur spray if necessary.
Uses
Culinary flavoring and tea
CulinaryLavender flowers add floral, slightly sweet notes to teas, baked goods, honey, and savory dishes like roasted meats and vegetables. Lavender buds are edible and commonly dried for tea blends. [source]
Relaxation and sleep support
MedicinalLavender essential oil and dried flowers are traditionally used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. Linalool, the primary aromatic compound, has calming properties. [source]
Fragrance and natural moth deterrent
HouseholdDried lavender flowers release a pleasant fragrance and naturally repel moths, making them ideal for sachets, closets, and drawers. The scent freshens linens and clothing. [source]
Cut and dried flowers
CraftHidcote lavender is one of the finest varieties for cutting and drying due to its long stems, compact form, and exceptional fragrance. Dried flowers last months and are used in arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeLavender flowers are magnets for honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers just as they open for drying or fresh use; cut in morning after dew dries for maximum fragrance. Use sharp shears and cut stems about 1/3 down the plant. For dried flowers, hang bundles upside down in a warm, airy location out of direct sunlight. Deadhead regularly to extend blooming period. Do not harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at once. Prune plants lightly in early spring (March-April) to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; never cut into bare wood.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Hidcote' comes from Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire, England, where the cultivar was selected and named in the early 20th century—it remains one of the most widely grown lavender varieties worldwide.
- 🌱 Lavender's characteristic fragrance comes from over 100 different volatile compounds, with linalool and linalyl acetate being the primary contributors; the scent intensifies when flowers are dried.
- 🌱 Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years in perfumery, medicine, and household use; the Romans used it in bathwater (the name comes from the Latin 'lavare,' meaning 'to wash').
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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