Lavender 'Hidcote'
Famous for the deepest of purple flowers borne on a compact silvery-leaved shrub throughout spring and summer. Prized for its highly aromatic flowers, this lavender is a favourite of oil producers but is equally valuable as a garden plant that thrives in the harshest of summers. Dry-tolerant and adored by bees, this hardy lavender also performs well in cool mountainous areas like the NSW Southern Highlands.
Lavenders are known for being hardy plants that survive in hot dry conditions, however, they really thrive with a little water over extended dry periods and annual pruning. Plant in full sun for maximum flowering, in a free-draining soil. Lavenders do not like wet feet or humidity, so raise garden beds if necessary to improve drainage. Improve soil prior to planting and add a little lime to increase pH to 6-8. Lavender will tolerate part shade, but plants may not be as vigorous as their neighbours in full sun. Plant as a hedge, use to attract bees and beneficial insects to your garden or grow in pots, lavenders are a reliable flowering addition in most Australian gardens.