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Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

A compact, award-winning English lavender variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and intensely fragrant oil content. This hardy perennial forms neat, silvery-green mounds that bloom profusely from early summer through fall, making it perfect for borders, containers, and herb gardens. Hidcote's exceptional fragrance and rich color have made it a favorite among gardeners and commercial growers alike.

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

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained, sandy or gravelly soil

pH6.5-7.5

WaterLow to moderate, drought tolerant once established

SeasonCool season for planting, blooms warm season

FlavorIntensely floral and aromatic with sweet, slightly camphor-like notes

ColorDeep purple flower spikes with silvery-green foliage

Size12-18 inch spread, compact growth habit

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December

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-cut Hidcote stems stay fragrant for 7-10 days when stored like cut flowers in water, though the essential oils are strongest within the first 48 hours. For longer storage, avoid refrigeration which can dull the aromatic compounds.

For drying, bundle 8-12 stems with rubber bands (which tighten as stems shrink) and hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area with temperatures between 60-80°F. Proper drying takes 2-3 weeks – stems should snap cleanly when ready. Strip flowers by running your fingers against the grain of the stem.

Freeze-drying preserves Hidcote's color and fragrance better than air-drying. Place flower heads in a single layer on parchment paper and freeze for 24 hours, then store in airtight containers. You can also make lavender oil by filling a jar with fresh flowers and covering with a neutral oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil for 4-6 weeks.

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 water and sun requirements, both repel insects and complement each other's Mediterranean growing conditions

Thyme

Shares similar drought tolerance and soil preferences, both attract beneficial pollinators

Sage

Compatible Mediterranean herb with similar care needs, helps repel cabbage moths and carrot flies

Oregano

Similar growing conditions, attracts beneficial insects and provides natural pest deterrent properties

Catmint

Complements lavender's deer resistance, attracts pollinators while repelling rodents and ants

Roses

Lavender repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack roses, while both prefer well-draining soil

Sedum

Similar drought tolerance and low water needs, creates attractive textural contrast in garden design

Echinacea

Both attract beneficial pollinators and butterflies, share preference for well-draining soil

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm lavender, requires much more water than lavender prefers

Impatiens

Requires frequent watering and rich, moist soil conditions that are detrimental to lavender's health

Hosta

Needs shade and consistent moisture, opposite growing conditions from sun-loving, drought-tolerant lavender

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

3.15g(6%)

Fiber

1.6g(6%)

Carbs

2.65g(1%)

Fat

0.64g(1%)

Vitamin C

18mg(20%)

Vitamin A

264mcg(29%)

Vitamin K

415mcg(346%)

Iron

3.17mg(18%)

Calcium

177mg(14%)

Potassium

295mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to most diseases when grown in proper conditions

Common Pests

Aphids, spittlebugs, spider mites

Diseases

Root rot (in poorly drained soil), fungal issues in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Hidcote lavender typically begins blooming 90-120 days after transplanting, though first-year plants may produce lighter flower displays. Nursery transplants often bloom the same season, while plants grown from seed take a full year to produce significant flowers. Peak blooming performance occurs in the second year as root systems mature.

Can you grow Hidcote lavender in pots?▼

Yes, Hidcote lavender excels in containers due to its compact 18-inch size. Use pots at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes, and fill with a sandy, well-draining potting mix. Container plants need more frequent watering than garden plants but still require soil to dry between waterings. In zones 5-6, move pots to protected locations during winter.

When should I prune Hidcote lavender?▼

Prune Hidcote lavender immediately after the first major bloom cycle in mid-summer, cutting back one-third of the plant but never into brown woody stems. In cold climates (zones 5-6), delay hard pruning until early spring to protect plants from winter damage. Light deadheading throughout the season encourages continued blooming.

What does Hidcote lavender smell like compared to other varieties?▼

Hidcote lavender produces an intensely sweet, floral fragrance with subtle camphor undertones – significantly stronger than common lavender varieties. The scent is cleaner and more refined than Spanish lavender, lacking the sharp medicinal notes. This variety has the highest essential oil content among English lavenders, making it preferred for perfumery and culinary use.

Is Hidcote lavender good for beginners?▼

Hidcote lavender is excellent for beginners provided you have full sun and well-draining soil. The main failure point is overwatering or planting in heavy soil – once established in proper conditions, it's remarkably low-maintenance and forgiving. Its predictable size and growth habit make it easier to manage than sprawling lavender varieties.

Hidcote vs Munstead lavender - what's the difference?▼

Hidcote produces deeper purple flowers and grows slightly more compact (18 inches) compared to Munstead's pale purple blooms and 20-inch height. Hidcote has superior fragrance intensity and essential oil content, while Munstead blooms earlier and has slightly better cold tolerance. Both are excellent English lavenders, but Hidcote is preferred for culinary use and dried arrangements.