Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior'

Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior': Neat Violet Rows, No Stragglers

Dark violet spikes on a compact, upright plant that blooms longer if you give it a quick trim. 'Hidcote Superior' has a name that sounds smug, and frankly, IT'S EARNED THE ATTITUDE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote Superior'
• Common Name: English Lavender
• Height: 40 cm (16 in)
• Spread: 40 cm (16 in)
• Flowers: Dark violet-purple, fragrant spikes
• Bloom Time: Early summer into early fall with deadheading (June to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, grey-green and aromatic, with a compact, upright habit

Where to Plant: Because the plants grow so evenly, it's ideal for low hedges, edging along a walkway, knot gardens and mass plantings where you want a clean, matching line. It also suits rock gardens and containers in a sunny, well-drained spot.

Companion Plants: Give 'Hidcote Superior' a sunny, dry bed with pastel lewisia, blue catmint and coral hyssop. Lewisia 'Little Tutti Frutti' tucks in at the front at 15 cm with pastel flowers in May and June. Nepeta Whispurr™ Blue adds lilac-blue spikes at 61 to 71 cm from June to September. Agastache 'Guava Lava' brings coral-orange spikes at 51 to 56 cm from July to September. Panicum 'Shenandoah' stands behind at 90 to 120 cm, its blades turning burgundy by fall.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. Sandy, gravelly or slightly alkaline soil is perfect. Avoid low spots where snowmelt pools, because wet winter roots are lavender's biggest risk here. Water during the first season, then only in extended dry spells. Deadhead the first flush of flowers to encourage more. Leave the plant standing over winter, and in spring, once fresh growth shows, trim lightly to shape without cutting into old, leafless wood.

History: Jelitto Perennial Seed introduced 'Hidcote Superior' in 2001 as a uniform, seed-raised take on the classic 'Hidcote' lavender, which is linked to Hidcote Manor, the English garden made by Lawrence Johnston. The species is native to the Mediterranean.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, drought tolerant once established and a bee favourite. Deadhead it and it keeps going. SUPERIOR IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.