Lavender 'Hidcote'

Best seller!  What's there not to love about lavender: sweetly scented leaves and flowers, beautiful color, long blooming, attracts pollinators, and resists deer and rabbits. 'Hidcote' is an especially note-worthy selection for its ability to withstand cold Northern winters and still provide everything you love about lavender.

Lavender is a mound forming sub-shrub or woody herb. Stems are covered in silvery-grey foliage that is fragrant all year round. In summer, fragrant purple flower spikes emerge, and they can be harvested and dried for foods, beverages, and crafts. Grows 15" x 24".

How to grow

'Hidcote' English lavender is heat, drought, and wind tolerant.  Well-drained soils are imperative: never plant lavender in areas that are wet, even for short periods. Site with at least six hours of bright sun each day for best flowers, fragrance, and form.

In spring, when new growth begins to emerge on the stems, cut or trim them back by about a 1/3. Prune them like a shrub, so don't cut back completely.  Remove any dead wood at this time.

Drying lavender

Cut flower spikes before they fully open. Bundle stems in small bunches of about one inch diameter. Hang them upside down in a dry, dark area with good air circulation.  Once dried, store in an airtight containers.

Garden design with lavender

Lavender is a staple in the herb garden, but also provides fragrance, foliage and flower interest in the perennial garden.  They are quite stunning in large groupings lining a walkway or path.  Lavender combines well with all sun-loving perennials, and we especially like it with other blue plants, like nepeta and 'Rozanne' geranium.  Lavender and roses are, of course, a classic combination that's hard to beat.

Special features: Cold hardy, Cut flower, Cut foliage, Dried flower, Drought tolerant, Easy care,  Fast growing, Fragrance, Heat tolerant, Long blooming, Multi-season interest, Winter interest