Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior'

Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior': A Portrait of Lavender Perfection

Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior', a refined selection of the classic English Lavender, paints a portrait of lavender perfection in the garden with its deep purple flowers elegantly poised against silvery-green foliage. Esteemed for its improved uniformity, robust fragrance, and vibrant flower color, this perennial embodies the quintessential lavender experience, offering a more consistent and striking display than its predecessors. Ideal for creating serene and aromatic borders, enhancing herb gardens with its rich scent, or lending an air of sophistication to container displays, 'Hidcote Superior' is a testament to the beauty and allure of traditional English gardens, inviting a sense of timeless elegance and calm to any outdoor space.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Hidcote Superior' adorns the landscape at a graceful height of 40-50 cm, lending structure and a classic lavender silhouette without dominating the garden space.
• Spread: With a refined spread of 40-50 cm, it forms exquisite mounds of foliage and blooms that integrate seamlessly into garden designs, offering a polished and cohesive look.
• Flower Colour: The blooms of 'Hidcote Superior' are a rich, deep purple, capturing the essence of lavender’s most cherished qualities and presenting them with renewed intensity and charm.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from early to mid-summer, with the potential for a rebloom in late summer, 'Hidcote Superior' extends the lavender season, filling the air with its iconic fragrance and the garden with its vibrant hues.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thriving in full sun, 'Hidcote Superior' unveils its full beauty and aromatic strength in bright, warm conditions, truly coming into its own in the glowing light of summer.
• Soil Requirements: It prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, thriving in conditions that replicate its native Mediterranean environment, which ensures vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

Uses and Benefits: Beyond its ornamental splendor, 'Hidcote Superior' is a beacon for bees and butterflies, enriching the garden's biodiversity with its nectar-rich blooms. Its fragrant foliage and flowers make it an indispensable addition to sensory gardens, culinary herb collections, and as a natural pest deterrent around patios and vegetable gardens.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Hidcote Superior' with plants that offer contrasting textures or colors, such as the bright yellows of Coreopsis, the lush greens of Hostas, or the soft whites of Gaura. These companions underscore the vibrant purple of 'Hidcote Superior', creating a visually appealing and harmonious garden tableau.

Care Instructions: Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior' is a paragon of lavender cultivation that thrives with minimal care. It requires occasional watering in the absence of rainfall, a light application of fertilizer in early spring, and annual pruning to maintain its compact shape and encourage fresh growth. Its resilience to drought, deer, and common pests makes it a stalwart addition to the garden.

History: 'Hidcote Superior' is named after the renowned Hidcote Manor Garden in the UK, where lavenders of unparalleled beauty have long been cultivated. It represents a selection bred for its superior qualities, including flower color, fragrance, and growth habit, enhancing the legacy of Lavandula angustifolia in ornamental horticulture.

Final Thoughts: Lavandula 'Hidcote Superior' stands as a portrait of lavender perfection, offering gardeners a refined version of a beloved classic. Its deep purple flowers, enduring fragrance, and elegant form make it a choice selection for those seeking to infuse their gardens with a sense of tranquility, beauty, and the timeless charm of English lavender. Whether used to line pathways, fill containers, or accentuate mixed borders, 'Hidcote Superior' promises to be a highlight of the garden, bringing joy and serenity to all who encounter its exquisite blooms.