Lavender Hidcote (Lavandula angustifolia) is an English lavender that is valued for its hardiness, strong fragrance and ability to withstand cold Winters. Hidcote is popular with commercial growers and gardeners alike due to its low maintenance and is commonly used as a decorative hedge.
Here’s a quick look at the growing requirements and care instructions for lavender hidcote.
- Conditions Lavender Hidcote Requirements
- Size: 15 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) in height, 20 to 24 inches (50-60 cm) in width.
- Flowering Time: Flowers in May or June with blooms lasting for 3-4 weeks.
- Life span: 15 years with the right care and conditions.
- Sun: Full sun (will not tolerate shade).
- Watering: Water frequently after planting and water once every 2 weeks once established from Spring to Fall, do not water in Winter.
- Soil Preference: Well draining, sandy soils with low to medium fertility.
- Soil pH: Prefers neutral or alkaline soil (up to pH 8) but will tolerate mild acidity (pH 6.5).
- When to Plant: Best time for planting is either the early Spring or Fall, although will tolerate summer planting. Do not plant or transplant Hidcote in Winter.
- Pruning: Prune around 2/3 of the top flexible growth in the Early Spring or late Fall. Do not cut into the woody base as this does not regenerate and prune every year as this extends the life of Hidcote lavender.
- Planting distance: Plant 2 feet apart for hedging and 3 feet apart from other plants for when planting in
garden boarders.
- Hardiness: Tolerates frost and cold Winters with occasional temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F).
- Winter Care: Well draining, sandy soil is particularly imperative in cool, temperate climates to avoid fungal disease. Do not water in Winter.
- Fertilizer: Hidcote is low maintenance and does not require fertilizer.
- Problems: Fungal disease such as root rot is common because of over watering, slow draining soils or humid climates.The foliage is deer and rabbit resistant.