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Lavender Hidcote

Lavender Hidcote

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

shrub

Hidcote is a compact cultivar of English lavender known for its deep purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It's a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that produces abundant fragrant blooms perfect for cutting, drying, and ornamental use. This variety is particularly valued for its early flowering season and ability to thrive in poor soils.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours minimum daily (8+ hours ideal)
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Water: Low to moderate water needs once established. Water moderately during establishment; thereafter water sparingly. Drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering and wet conditions.
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Spacing: 18 inches
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Days to maturity: 120-180 days to full flowering maturity
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Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil line; do not bury stem collar. Seeds can be surface-sown or lightly pressed into soil.

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly loam
pH: 6.0-8.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand gravel perlite for drainage improvement low fertility preferred

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny green leaves emerge from seed with delicate needle-like foliage. Slow initial growth.

Keep soil barely moist, not wet. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off. High grit/perlite recommended in seed mix.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Bushy plant develops silvery-green needle-like leaves and woody stems. Plant gradually thickens and widens.

Pinch tips in spring to encourage bushiness. Establish good drainage. Minimal fertilizer needed; avoid nitrogen excess. Begin hardening off transplants gradually.

3

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower spikes form at stem tips with unopened buds appearing as dense purple knots before opening to blooms.

Reduce watering slightly to encourage flowering. Do not fertilize during flowering. Remove any dead wood. This stage typically occurs in early summer.

4

Peak Flowering

4-8 weeks (June-July typically)

Abundant deep purple fragrant flowers fully open along spike inflorescences. Plant appears lush and vibrant.

Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage additional blooms. Can be harvested for drying or fresh use. Maintain minimal watering.

5

Hardening & Dormancy

4-6 months

Flowers fade and dry on plant. Foliage remains silvery-green year-round. Plant becomes somewhat woody and dense.

In fall, reduce watering further. Prune lightly in early spring (avoid heavy fall pruning). No fertilizer. Mulch lightly in cold zones if needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rosemary Santolina Catmint Thyme Sage Germander Gaura Russian sage Sedums Lamb's ear

Avoid planting near:

Hydrangeas Azaleas Rhododendrons plants requiring frequent watering clay-soil plants

Common Pests

  • Increase air circulation; spray with water to dislodge; use miticides if severe. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions indoors.

  • Hand-pick if present; prune affected foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in early season. Beetles feed on foliage.

  • Ensure excellent drainage and air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove affected plant material; apply fungicide if necessary.

  • Prevent with well-draining soil and minimal watering. Remove and discard severely affected plants. Improve drainage amendments.

  • Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves. Increase air circulation.

Uses

🍳

Baking & Beverages

Culinary

Lavender flowers are used as a delicate flavoring in shortbread, cakes, honey, tea, and lemonade. The floral notes add sophistication to both sweet and savory dishes. [source]

💊

Relaxation & Sleep

Medicinal

Lavender is traditionally used in herbal teas, aromatherapy, and sachets to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. The essential oil linalool is the primary active compound. [source]

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Fragrance & Cleaning

Household

Dried lavender flowers perfume sachets, linen closets, drawers, and homes naturally. Lavender oil is used in homemade cleaning products and air fresheners. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements & Decoration

Craft

Dried lavender is prized for floral arrangements, wreaths, wedding decorations, and crafts due to its beautiful color, long-lasting quality, and pleasant fragrance. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Bee Support

Wildlife

Lavender is an excellent nectar and pollen source for honeybees, bumblebees, and beneficial insects. A single lavender plant in bloom can attract dozens of pollinators daily. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest flower spikes in early morning after dew dries but before heat peaks, when most florets are open but some buds remain at spike tip. Cut stems 6-8 inches from base using sharp pruners. Tie in small bundles and hang upside-down in dark, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks to dry completely. Best harvested from mid-June through July. Can be harvested throughout the blooming period; each cutting encourages more blooms.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Hidcote is named after Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire, England, where it was selected as an outstanding cultivar in the 1950s.
  • 🌱 Lavender flowers retain their fragrance for months or even years when properly dried, making them ideal for long-lasting dried arrangements and potpourri.
  • 🌱 A mature Hidcote plant can produce enough flowers in a single season to fill dozens of dried arrangements or enough for several batches of culinary lavender honey.

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