Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue'

Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue': Violet Haze and Summer Calm

A classic beauty with a soothing presence, Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue' offers richly coloured, deep violet flower spikes above silvery-grey foliage that shimmers in the summer light. Intensely fragrant and finely textured, it draws in bees and butterflies while casting a sense of calm wherever it grows—aromatic, timeless, and full of sun-drenched charm.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a rounded, bushy clump
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer, with potential for light rebloom
• Foliage: Narrow, silvery-grey aromatic leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soils; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue' is ideal for sunny borders, herb gardens, and pathways where its fragrance and structure can be fully appreciated. Compact and highly drought-tolerant, it thrives in dry, lean soils and pairs beautifully with Mediterranean or xeriscape designs. Its dense flower spikes are a pollinator magnet, and the evergreen foliage offers year-round appeal in milder climates. Use it to anchor formal plantings or soften wildflower-inspired spaces with elegant calm.

Companion Plants: Combine Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue' with Nepeta 'Kitten Around', whose soft lavender-blue flowers echo the lavender tones while adding a looser, frothy texture. Include Sedum 'Russian Stonecrop' at the front of the border for a low, sunny mat of yellow blooms and succulent foliage. To contrast height and form, add Perovskia 'Crazy Blue', whose airy, upright stems and silvery leaves dance above the lavender with a soft, luminous haze.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil—gravelly or sandy soils are ideal. Avoid rich or wet conditions, especially in winter. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, and cut back more thoroughly in early spring to encourage bushy growth. Water sparingly once established. Divide or replace every 3–5 years to maintain vigour and bloom quality.

History: Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue' was originally selected at the famed Hidcote Manor Garden in England and has since become one of the most beloved English lavenders worldwide. Prized for its compact form, vivid flower colour, and rich fragrance, it remains a favourite for herbalists, designers, and pollinators alike.

Final Thoughts: With its silvery elegance and deeply coloured blooms, Lavandula 'Hidcote Blue' evokes the warmth and serenity of a sunlit hillside in Provence. Whether lining a path or filling a container, it brings lasting fragrance and timeless form to the summer garden.