Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’

Lavandula angustifolia is very well-loved - probably one of the most popular garden shrubs. They add a gorgeous smell and a lovely colour to any garden. These plants have narrow, oily, evergreen leaves and grow to approximately 60cm. In summer, they bloom with dense spikes of flowers. Lavandula angustifolia is commonly known as English Lavender, most varieties have purple flowers, but some come in white and pink.

 

Lavender is good for growing in borders or to act as low hedging. Its dense silver-grey leaves, and fragrant deep violet flower spikes make it one of the most popular lavenders. Keeping your lavender in a sunny spot will make them happy. When the plants are young, they will need to be watered well, but they are quite drought resistant once they have matured. Increasing the frequency of watering after the flower buds form will promote a healthy harvest. Once the flower stalks have finished you should cut them back. It is not necessary to fertilise English lavender. You may need trim the plants in April to keep them tidy. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is a bushy, compact variant of lavender. The 'Hidcote' variety is evergreen and aromatic. If you like to gather cut flowers from your own garden, lavender is excellent for use in both dry and fresh arrangements. To dry this plant, harvest the flowers as soon as they open and then hang in a dark room with plenty of ventilation.

 

English Lavender is used as a flavouring and as a medicinal herb, there are suggestions that it is useful in aromatherapy for sleep. Lavender is very attractive to butterflies, bees, and hover flies – the pollinators of your garden will thank you! This plant could make people and pets unwell if eaten.