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Lavender Hidcote

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

A compact English lavender variety beloved for its intensely fragrant, deep purple flower spikes and silvery-gray foliage that creates perfect low hedges or border plantings. This hardy perennial blooms repeatedly throughout summer, attracting beneficial pollinators while providing endless harvests for culinary and craft uses. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for water-wise gardens.

Harvest

90-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Lavender Hidcote in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Lavender Hidcote · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy or gravelly soil, poor to average fertility

pH6.5-7.5

WaterLow water needs once established, drought tolerant

SeasonPerennial, blooms summer through fall

FlavorIntensely aromatic, floral, slightly sweet with herbal notes

ColorDeep violet-purple flowers, silvery-gray foliage

Size4-6 inch flower spikes

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Fruits are non-ornamental nutlets.

Type: Capsule.

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh lavender stems last 7-10 days when placed in water like cut flowers, though their peak fragrance diminishes after 3-4 days. For culinary use, wrap fresh stems in slightly damp paper towels and refrigerate for up to one week.

Drying is the most popular preservation method—bundle 8-12 stems together with rubber bands and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Properly dried Hidcote retains its deep purple color and intense fragrance for 12-18 months. Once completely dry (stems snap rather than bend), strip buds from stems and store in airtight glass jars.

For culinary applications, freeze-dry lavender by laying clean flower heads on parchment-lined trays in the freezer for 24 hours, then store in freezer bags for up to two years. You can also create lavender-infused oils by covering fresh flowers with carrier oil and allowing them to infuse for 4-6 weeks in a cool, dark location.

History & Origin

Origin: Mediterranean region France, Italy, Spain

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil
+Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators
+Low maintenance

Considerations

-Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Stems): Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Rosemary

Similar growing conditions and both repel pests like mosquitoes and moths

Thyme

Complementary Mediterranean herbs that attract beneficial pollinators

Sage

Same drought tolerance and helps deter cabbage moths and carrot flies

Marigolds

Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Roses

Lavender deters aphids and ants that damage roses

Oregano

Similar sun and soil requirements, both attract beneficial pollinators

Catmint

Repels rodents and mosquitoes, similar growing conditions

Sedum

Drought-tolerant succulent that complements lavender's water needs

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients

Impatiens

Requires frequent watering which can cause root rot in lavender

Hostas

Needs shade and moist soil, opposite of lavender's sun and dry soil needs

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent disease resistance when grown in proper drainage

Common Pests

Aphids, spittlebugs, whiteflies (rarely problematic)

Diseases

Root rot in poorly drained soils, fungal issues in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Lavender Hidcote take to bloom from planting?▼

Nursery-grown Lavender Hidcote plants typically bloom 60-90 days after spring planting, with first flowers appearing in mid to late summer. Plants grown from seed take considerably longer—expect first blooms 90-120 days after germination, often not until the second growing season. For fastest results, purchase established plants or root your own cuttings in late summer for next year's garden.

Can you grow Lavender Hidcote in containers?▼

Lavender Hidcote is excellent for container growing due to its compact size and drought tolerance. Use pots at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes, and fill with a fast-draining mix of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite. Place containers in full sun and water only when soil feels dry 2 inches down. In cold climates, move containers to an unheated garage or wrap in bubble wrap for winter protection.

When should I prune Lavender Hidcote?▼

Prune Lavender Hidcote twice annually—lightly deadhead spent flowers in midsummer to encourage repeat blooming, then perform major pruning in early spring just as new growth begins. Cut back by one-third, shaping into a mounded form while avoiding cuts into old woody stems. Never prune after late August in cold climates, as new growth won't have time to harden off before winter.

Is Lavender Hidcote good for cooking?▼

Yes, Lavender Hidcote is excellent for culinary use, though its intense flavor means you need very small amounts—typically 1/2 teaspoon dried buds per recipe. The flowers work beautifully in shortbread cookies, honey, herbes de Provence blends, and lavender tea. Harvest flower spikes just as they open for the sweetest flavor, avoiding overuse which can create a soapy taste in dishes.

What's the difference between Hidcote and Munstead lavender?▼

Both are compact English lavenders, but Hidcote produces deeper purple flowers and grows slightly more upright (15-18 inches), while Munstead has lighter purple-blue flowers and a more spreading habit (12-15 inches). Hidcote is generally more cold-hardy and has stronger fragrance, making it better for northern gardens and essential oil production. Munstead blooms earlier and has a slightly sweeter scent preferred for culinary use.

Why is my Lavender Hidcote turning brown and dying?▼

Brown, dying lavender is almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot. Lavender needs soil that dries out between waterings—constantly moist conditions kill the roots. Other causes include planting too deep, using rich fertilized soil, or winter damage from ice and snow sitting on plants. Improve drainage immediately and reduce watering frequency to save affected plants.