Lavender 'Hidcote' (Lavandula angustifolia) - fragrant honey-producing perennial - 11 cm pot - Height 25 cm

Yes, 'Hidcote' Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the hardiest true lavender varieties available, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -15°C when planted in well-drained soil. In fact, winter drainage is crucial to its survival: roots suffocated by standing water suffer far more than roots exposed to dry cold. In mountainous areas or northern France, a light mulch around the base in November extends its longevity. In pots, it is advisable to move the container indoors to a frost-free area or protect it with horticultural fleece.

Hidcote 'Lavender' blooms from June to August, offering a flowering period of six to eight weeks depending on the climate and 'exposure. Its upright spikes, 'a deep and characteristic purple-crimson, follow one after another in waves from the base of the plant. If you remove the first faded spikes as early as late July, you often stimulate a slight reblooming in September. A truly sunny exposure, combined with well-drained soil, is the key to 'dense and prolonged flowering.

To create a dense and harmonious border with the 'Hidcote' Lavender, allow a spacing of 30 to 40 cm between each plant when planting. At maturity, the 'Hidcote' cultivar forms a small compact bush of 'about 40 to 60 cm in diameter, making it particularly suitable for flower bed borders or low fragrant hedges. Plant several specimens in a staggered pattern for a dense result by the second season. The packs of 6, 12 or 24 plants from Plant and Stories make it easy to cover a significant border length in a single purchase.

Yes, the Hidcote 'Lavender' s'eats very well to container or window box growing, provided two requirements are met: a container at 'least 25 to 30 cm in diameter and an ultra-draining substrate. Mix good garden soil with gravel or coarse sand (1/3 gravel, 2/3 potting soil). Absolutely avoid saucers filled w'ith water under the pot, especially in winter. On a south-facing terrace or balcony, the Hidcote 'Lavender' grows remarkably well and will fill your entire outdoor space with fragrance from June to August.

Lavender 'Hidcote' is o'ne of the most effective plants for attracting pollinators to the garden. Its purple-violet spikes produce an abundant nectar and a powerful fragrance that attract especially honeybees, bumblebees, diurnal butterflies (whites, tortoiseshells, and fritillaries), and various species of hoverflies. The long flowering period, from June to August, makes it a valuable food resource during the hottest months, a period that is sometimes lean for o'ther plants. Incorporating Lavender 'Hidcote' into a border i's to actively contribute to the biodiversity of your garden.

'Hidcote' Lavender lends itself to many combinations in the garden. Its evergreen silvery-grey foliage and dark purple spikes contrast beautifully with other lavenders such as the soft 'Munstead' (pale mauve) or the luminous 'Alba' (pure white), creating a very dynamic polychrome display. It also pairs very well with meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa), catmint (Nepeta), shrub roses and light grasses such as Mexican feather grass (Stipa tenuissima).

Pruning is essential to keep the 'Hidcote' lavender compact and vigorous over the long term. Prune for the first time after flowering, in August-September, by cutting off the faded flower spikes and trimming back by 'one-third into the green-grey foliage, without ever cutting into the old woody growth, from which it will not regrow. A second light pruning in spring, in March-April, helps 'refine the shape before the growing season begins. Without pruning, the lavender quickly becomes woody and loses its floral density. A regularly pruned plant can remain beautiful and floriferous for ten years or more.