Ornamental perennial plants

Lavender

Lavandula

Lavender 'Hidcote Blue' bears deep violet-purple flowers. The foliage is silvery grey. The clump reaches about 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) tall and 50–100 cm (19.7–39.4 in) wide. Choose a position in full sun. Lavenders suit sunny edging, gravel gardens and certain well-drained containers. Allow air to circulate around the base. Combining them with plants that need continuously moist soil creates conflicting growing requirements. Place plant accents where they can be appreciated, then arrange surrounding volumes around them. Repeating one selection can connect different sections of a border, while an individual specimen can provide a visual focal point. Compare foliage textures as carefully as flower colours. Consider the scene before, during and after flowering.

Format

Share
Exposure
Full sun
Life cycle
Perennial

Discover the plant

Common nameLavender
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusLavandula
TypeOrnamental nursery plant
Botanical nameLavandula

Lavender 'Hidcote Blue' bears deep violet-purple flowers. The foliage is silvery grey. The clump reaches about 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) tall and 50–100 cm (19.7–39.4 in) wide. Choose a position in full sun. Its botanical name is Lavandula. The genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family. English lavenders generally flower before lavandins. The selection still matters: Sensational! can rebloom after its first flush. Consider the scene before, during and after flowering. Treat the flowering period as a seasonal reference rather than a guaranteed date. Weather, exposure and the stage of establishment can shift the start or duration of the display. Watch developing buds and open flowers when deciding how to maintain the plant.

Choose an exposure of full sun for this selection. Drainage is a priority, especially in winter. Plant once the ground has thawed and excess water has drained, so that working the soil will not compact it. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Already fertile soil should not be enriched indiscriminately. Lavenders adapted to lean soils can become less structured with excessive feeding. Mulch can reduce weeds and moderate moisture changes, but it does not replace checking the soil. For a nursery plant already growing in a container, moisten the root ball before removing the pot. Prepare a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without compressing them.

Lavenders suit sunny edging, gravel gardens and certain well-drained containers. Allow air to circulate around the base. Choose a container that is stable, has drainage holes, and leaves room for the root ball to develop. Check its moisture more often than garden soil. Place plant accents where they can be appreciated, then arrange surrounding volumes around them. Compare foliage textures as carefully as flower colours. Plan the planting around mature spread rather than the small size of the purchased plant. Leave access to reach specimens in the middle of the bed. Choose companions by exposure, moisture, drainage and mature spread, then check those requirements for the particular varieties selected.

Lavande 'Hidcote Blue'. Les fleurs ouvertes bordent les tiges fines, réparties le long des épis dressés. Des tons violets colorent les fleurs, avec des touches plus pâles sur les parties ouvertes. Les petites fleurs sont tournées vers l’extérieur, leurs parties ouvertes réparties sur les tiges. Les feuilles gris-vert forment la base sous les petites fleurs et tiges dressées. Plusieurs fleurs occupent le cadre, certaines de face et d’autres tournées de côté.

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Best planting time Spring, when soil warms and drains well; avoid cold, waterlogged soil.
Propagation Softwood or semi-ripe stem cuttings.
Growing method
For lavender planting, prepare the site first and position the nursery root ball with care. Plant once the ground has thawed and excess water has drained, so that working the soil will not compact it. Moisten the root ball, set it in suitable soil, and water to settle soil around the roots. Choose an exposure of full sun for this selection. For a nursery plant already growing in a container, moisten the root ball before removing the pot. Prepare a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without compressing them. Return the plant to its previous growing level unless its genus requires a specific adjustment, then settle soil around the root ball. Water to bring roots and soil into contact, and subsequently check moisture within the root ball itself. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Check both areas, especially after light rain or windy weather. Water slowly enough for moisture to enter the soil rather than run off its surface. As roots explore the surrounding ground, adjust watering to actual moisture and weather conditions. The watering interval should change with root development instead of following a fixed calendar. Mulch can reduce weeds and moderate moisture changes, but it does not replace checking the soil. Leave an open space around the crown: piling material against it can encourage rot problems. Adapt mulch to the planting site and the genus’s requirements.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acidic, neutral or alkaline

Care level

Easy

Watering

Plan lavender watering around actual root-zone moisture, then reassess after rain or changes in the weather. Water young plants to establish their roots, then let the soil drain and dry between applications according to cultivar and container. Potted lavender can dry quickly, but keeping its root ball continuously saturated defeats the necessary drainage. Direct water towards the root zone rather than over flowers and leaves. Avoid repeated small applications to soil that is already wet, and adapt your care to the moisture conditions that suit this plant.

Soil type

Consider lavender soil requirements when choosing a site, checking soil structure and drainage before planting. Drainage is a priority, especially in winter. Choose a sunny position where water does not collect around the woody base. Check how the soil behaves after prolonged rain. A dry-looking surface does not guarantee that roots have enough air below it. Prepare the surrounding root zone rather than filling a small hole with a sharply different material. Heavy, persistently wet clay presents a different problem from light soil that dries quickly.

Fertilization

Approach lavender fertilization through soil needs and plant growth rather than repeatedly adding products without checking the garden. Already fertile soil should not be enriched indiscriminately. Lavenders adapted to lean soils can become less structured with excessive feeding. Protect drainage above all and adjust amendments to actual soil conditions. Assess soil fertility before adding fertilizer. Abundant, soft foliage does not necessarily lead to a better floral display or stronger stems in the garden. Follow the directions for the chosen fertilizer rather than increasing the dose to force faster growth.

Moisture

Drier soil once established; rapid drainage is essential.

Seasonal care

Organize lavender seasonal care around the plant, its root zone and the changing conditions of the garden. Prune cautiously while retaining leafy shoots. Avoid cutting hard into bare old wood. In spring, locate renewed growth before working close to the crown. Remove debris that obstructs new shoots while respecting the genus’s care requirements. Inspect drainage after snowmelt, and check the crown and roots if growth appears abnormal. Weed carefully: deep cultivation around an established perennial can damage roots that already extend through the bed. Let actual growth and soil conditions guide the timing of maintenance. During summer, observe how foliage responds to heat and check moisture before intervening. Newly planted specimens deserve particular attention. Remove damaged material or faded flowers only when that action suits the genus and the intended result. Retain healthy leaves that are still supporting growth. After a storm, inspect stems, any support ties and the way rain has reached the root ball rather than assuming the planting was watered thoroughly. In autumn, adapt cleanup to plant health and the way the plant grows. Green leaves should not be removed simply because flowering has ended. Diseased foliage needs different handling from healthy stems retained for their silhouette. Mark crowns before above-ground growth disappears, and avoid soil work that could damage them during dormancy. The appropriate cleanup date follows plant development and local conditions rather than a fixed calendar. Through winter, avoid water accumulating around the crown and unnecessary work on frozen or saturated ground. For a Canadian garden, compare the indicated hardiness rating with the rating system used locally and with the actual planting conditions. American USDA ratings are not automatically equivalent to Canadian zones.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Container 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in diameter, with generous drainage holes.
For lavender container care, assess the growing medium and roots alongside the site and drainage. Choose a container that is stable, has drainage holes, and leaves room for the root ball to develop. Check its moisture more often than garden soil. Where freezing occurs, potted roots experience greater exposure to cold; plan their winter protection around the site and the selection’s hardiness. Choose a stable container with drainage openings and enough room to accommodate the root ball without compressing it. The openings must allow water to escape freely. Use a growing medium suited to the required drainage and moisture, and keep the root ball accessible for routine checks. Leave room for foliage to develop without blocking access, and adjust the container when the roots become too tightly confined. In a pot, the water and nutrient reserve is limited to the volume of growing medium. Check moisture more often during heat and wind without assuming that daily watering is appropriate. Water should moisten the root ball and then drain freely. Adjust feeding to observed needs and the directions for the product being used. Also check that any other plants sharing the container accept the same exposure and watering regime. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. For a plant already hardy in your region, temporarily sinking the container into well-drained ground can protect the root ball. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy.
Lavande 'Hidcote Blue'. Les fleurs ouvertes bordent les tiges fines, réparties le long des épis dressés. Des tons violets colorent les fleurs, avec des touches plus pâles sur les parties ouvertes. Les petites fleurs sont tournées vers l’extérieur, leurs parties ouvertes réparties sur les tiges. Des feuilles vertes apparaissent autour des fleurs et entre les tiges de la photo. La fleur principale est nette sur le fond flou, où les couleurs se mêlent.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

18 inches (45.5 cm)

Width / spread

15 inches (38 cm)

Flower color

Deep violet-purple

Foliage color

Silvery grey

Growth habit

Compact shrubby

Fragrance

Aromatic flowers and foliage

Bloom period

Observe lavender bloom time together with plant growth, remembering that site conditions affect the flowering calendar seen in the garden. The flowers are deep violet-purple. English lavenders generally flower before lavandins. The selection still matters: Sensational! can rebloom after its first flush. Cut spikes contribute fragrance and texture to floral arrangements and dried bouquets. Watch developing buds and open flowers when deciding how to maintain the plant. Retain healthy leaves after bloom while they remain active: their contribution to growth continues even when other plants take over the border’s visual interest.
Lavande 'Hidcote Blue'. Les fleurs ouvertes bordent les tiges fines, réparties le long des épis dressés. Des tons violets colorent les fleurs, avec des touches plus pâles sur les parties ouvertes. Les petites fleurs sont tournées vers l’extérieur, leurs parties ouvertes réparties sur les tiges. Les feuilles gris-vert forment la base sous les petites fleurs et tiges dressées. La fleur principale est nette sur le fond flou, où les couleurs se mêlent.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Choose lavender companion plants for compatible site conditions and available space, rather than flower colour alone. Build the combination around matching light and moisture needs, then check how wide each selection becomes at maturity. A well-spaced arrangement lets leaves develop fully and keeps flowers visible, while allowing you to reach the plants for seasonal maintenance. Choose companions by exposure, moisture, drainage and mature spread, then check those requirements for the particular varieties selected. Contrasting leaves or flowers can improve a composition without automatically making either plant more resistant. Give each specimen the space it needs and retain watering access. Consider the scene before, during and after flowering. Observe the planting from its main viewpoints before moving a specimen.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to grow Hidcote Blue lavender in Canada?
Choose an exposure of full sun for this selection. Drainage is a priority, especially in winter. Choose a sunny position where water does not collect around the woody base. Heavy, persistently wet clay presents a different problem from light soil that dries quickly. Observe the proposed planting site at different times of day before digging. Light changes with trees, buildings and the season. A position that looks attractive from the patio also needs to stay accessible when neighbouring plants reach their mature size. Plan the planting around mature spread rather than the small size of the purchased plant. Leave access to reach specimens in the middle of the bed. Allow foliage to develop without being pressed against edging or buried beneath a more vigorous neighbour.
How should I water Hidcote Blue lavender?
Water young plants to establish their roots, then let the soil drain and dry between applications according to cultivar and container. Potted lavender can dry quickly, but keeping its root ball continuously saturated defeats the necessary drainage. Direct water towards the root zone rather than over flowers and leaves. Check soil moisture before adding more: wilted foliage alone cannot distinguish drought from a root problem. Account for the rain that actually reaches the planting, along with heat and wind. During establishment, the original root ball can dry out even when surrounding soil looks moist. Check both areas, especially after light rain or windy weather. Water slowly enough for moisture to enter the soil rather than run off its surface. As roots explore the surrounding ground, adjust watering to actual moisture and weather conditions.
How should I care for Hidcote Blue lavender during flowering?
The flowers are deep violet-purple. English lavenders generally flower before lavandins. The selection still matters: Sensational! can rebloom after its first flush. Cut spikes contribute fragrance and texture to floral arrangements and dried bouquets. Treat the flowering period as a seasonal reference rather than a guaranteed date. Weather, exposure and the stage of establishment can shift the start or duration of the display. Watch developing buds and open flowers when deciding how to maintain the plant. When the plant’s appearance changes, examine its growing environment first. A buried crown, dry root ball and saturated soil call for different responses. Note when the problem appears and inspect foliage, stems and soil before adding treatments. Correcting watering or planting position may be more useful than applying fertilizer, and one isolated symptom is not enough to establish a reliable diagnosis.
Can I grow Hidcote Blue lavender in a container?
Choose a container that is stable, has drainage holes, and leaves room for the root ball to develop. Check its moisture more often than garden soil. Where freezing occurs, potted roots experience greater exposure to cold; plan their winter protection around the site and the selection’s hardiness. Choose a stable container with drainage openings and enough room to accommodate the root ball without compressing it. The openings must allow water to escape freely. Use a growing medium suited to the required drainage and moisture, and keep the root ball accessible for routine checks. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. For a plant already hardy in your region, temporarily sinking the container into well-drained ground can protect the root ball. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy.
How should I plan Hidcote Blue lavender winter care in Canada?
Through winter, avoid water accumulating around the crown and unnecessary work on frozen or saturated ground. American USDA ratings are not automatically equivalent to Canadian zones. Prepare for winter before any prolonged ground freezing. Roots in a container standing above ground are more exposed to cold than roots planted in the garden. That protection does not make a tender plant hardy. In autumn, adapt cleanup to plant health and the way the plant grows. Green leaves should not be removed simply because flowering has ended. Diseased foliage needs different handling from healthy stems retained for their silhouette. Mark crowns before above-ground growth disappears, and avoid soil work that could damage them during dormancy. The appropriate cleanup date follows plant development and local conditions rather than a fixed calendar. Prune cautiously while retaining leafy shoots. Avoid cutting hard into bare old wood.