Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' – Intensely fragrant English lavender for garden and pot

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is one of the best-known and most prized varieties of English lavender. This perennial, hardy plant is known for its intense deep purple flowers, compact growth, and powerful, sweet fragrance, making it a favorite of both gardeners and professional growers.

Characteristics of Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

'Hidcote' is distinguished by its compact, bushy growth, making it ideal for borders, rockeries, and pots. The narrow, silvery-green leaves, 2.5–5 cm long, have a slightly downy texture and create a beautiful contrast with the deep purple flower spikes.

The flowers are tubular and densely packed in spike-like inflorescences at the ends of long stems. This makes the plant excellent as a cut flower or dried flower, retaining its intense purple color and fragrance even after drying.

Fragrance and aromatherapeutic properties

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is known for its highly aromatic, sweet lavender scent, which is stronger and more refined than many other lavender varieties. The essential oil from the flowers is widely used in:

• Aromatherapy: relaxing and soothing

• Cosmetics: soaps, lotions, massage oils

• Household applications: scented sachets, potpourri

This intense fragrance makes 'Hidcote' an excellent choice for gardens, patios, and indoor spaces where a pleasant, calming atmosphere is desired.

Cultivation and care

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is sun-loving, drought-tolerant, and relatively low-maintenance. Some growing tips:

• Location: full sun for maximum flowering and fragrance development

• Soil: well-drained, light and calcareous; avoid moist clay soil

• Water: Water moderately; overwatering may cause root rot

• Pruning: Cut back lightly immediately after flowering to encourage compact growth and new flowering the following year.

• Winter protection: fairly hardy; young plants can be protected from severe frost with mulch

Thanks to these properties, 'Hidcote' can flower for years and is a sustainable choice for borders, rock gardens or potted plants.

Applications in garden and household

• Ornamental value: ideal as a border plant, edge planting or pot plant, with a compact and symmetrical shape

• Cut flowers and dried flowers: long stems and dense flower spikes make the plant excellent for bouquets

• Aromatherapy: Flowers can be processed into lavender sachets, essential oils, lotions and soaps

• Ecological: attracts bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, promotes biodiversity

Why choose Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'?

• Deep purple, fragrant flowers of high quality

• Compact, bushy growth, ideal for borders and pots

• Hardy and low maintenance

• Versatile: ornamental, cut flowers, dried flowers, aromatherapy

• Ecologically valuable, attracts pollinators and promotes biodiversity

With its intense fragrance, compact size, and deep purple flowers, Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' is an absolute classic among lavender varieties. This variety combines ornamental value, fragrance, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for gardens, pots, and aromatic applications.