It’s hard to decide which is better–Munstead or Hidcote Lavender–because there are a few different factors to consider. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you want to achieve.
Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’), is an evergreen, small, shrubby variety that has a pleasingly compact, mounded shape and grows to 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. It has strong, sweet scent, and has large, tomentose-green, deeply notched leaves and produces reddish-purple blooms.
It blooms in summer and prefers full sun. Its long-lasting blooms make it great for cut flower arrangements.
Hidcote Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’), is an evergreen, larger, shrubby, blue-gray variety that grows to 4 feet tall and wide. It has a soft, but incredibly fragrant scent and has soft, leathery, gray-green leaves with a blue-gray tint.
It produces reddish-purple flowers in early summer and prefers full sun. This variety does well in most soils, including those that are alkaline or clay.
At the end of the day, both varieties of Lavender are great, and it depends on your preference. If you want a tall, fragrant variety that produces dark purple flowers and has a strong scent, go for Hidcote.
If you want a more compact, bushy variety with broader leaves and a sweet scent, go for Munstead.
Which type of lavender is best?
When it comes to choosing the best type of lavender, it really comes down to personal preference. Some of the most popular types include English lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender. Each of these varieties offers a different combination of color, scent, and usage.
English Lavender, also known as True or Common lavender, is probably the type most people are familiar with. It is known for its unmistakable sweet-herbaceous scent and gorgeous lilac flowers. English lavender typically flourishes in hotter climates and can be used in perfumes and sachets.
French Lavender is the most deliciously scented variety and has a slightly different color than English lavender. It is also more heat tolerant. French lavender is a great choice for use in potpourri and sachets.
Spanish Lavender has become increasingly popular, especially among gardeners with limited space. Its gray-green foliage has a very distinctive fragrance and the purple flowers make a beautiful contrast.
It is heat and drought tolerant, making it a wonderful choice for more difficult climates.
In the end, the best lavender for you is whichever type is best suited to your climate and satisfies your particular needs. All lavender varieties have something to offer, so explore each one and choose the best lavender for you.
How long does Hidcote lavender last?
Hidcote lavender is a particularly hardy type of lavender and is known for its longevity. When planted in the right conditions, it can last for many years and continue to bloom each year. Well-cared-for Hidcote lavender plants can last 12 to 20 years.
To increase the longevity of Hidcote lavender, it should be planted in areas with full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. Additionally, the soil should be kept on the slightly dry side with regular watering when the top soil layer begins to dry out.
During the blooming season, it is important to deadhead the spent blossoms and remove any dead or damaged foliage. Lastly, this type of lavender is prone to aphids, slugs and other pests. Treating the plant once per season with an insecticidal soap or other approved method can help keep away pests and prolong the life of the lavender.
Is Hidcote lavender Hardy?
Yes, Hidcote lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’) is a hardy variety of lavender. It is one of the most popular varieties of English lavender and is quite resilient. Depending on the climate, it may be hardy to USDA Zone 5 (-10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is well-suited for areas such as southeastern United States and can withstand drought and heat better than other lavender varieties. Hidcote lavender is a compact and bushy evergreen with deep purple flower spikes and gray-green foliage.
It does best in full sun and well-drained soil and can reach heights of 2-3 feet. It is a certain favorite for both formal and informal uses in the garden, and provides a potpourri of both beauty, fragrance, and hardiness.
Does Hidcote lavender come back every year?
Yes, Hidcote lavender generally returns every year. The lavender is perennial, meaning it will live for at least 3 years, and can often return year-after-year without much effort. Hidcote lavender is quite hardy and is able to survive a wide range of temperatures and weather, making it a great garden plant.
To keep the lavender returning each year, it is important to provide proper care. Be sure to give it plenty of sun, as it is a sun-loving plant. Additionally, it should be watered regularly throughout the growing season but allowed to dry out a bit between watering.
Additionally, the plant should be fertilized in early spring and pruned back in late winter or early spring. With proper care and maintenance, the Hidcote lavender will happily return each year.
Is Lavender Hidcote frost hardy?
Yes, Lavender Hidcote is a hardy perennial herb that can withstand frosty or cold temperatures. It typically survives the winter and returns in the spring with no damage to its foliage or blooms. As a general rule, Lavender Hidcote is hardy enough to survive USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 3-8 and can bloom year after year with minimal protection during colder months.
Once the plant is established, the root system will allow it to handle the cold temperatures much better than when it is newly planted. Although the flowering stalks may die back if temperatures drop too low, they will typically return in the spring and bloom again in the summer.
To ensure the lavender thrives in the winter, it’s a good idea to mulch and insulate the plant before the coldest temperatures hit.
Does lavender stay alive in winter?
Yes, lavender can stay alive in winter depending on the climate or region it’s planted in. Many lavender varieties are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10, so they can survive in frosty conditions. If you live in an area that has extreme cold temperatures during the winter, lavender will need to be mulched or covered with material such as burlap or evergreen branches during the coldest months.
As the weather warms up, lavender should thrive again, but can be a bit slow to start due to the cold temperatures. It’s also important to water lavender during the cold months, as dry soil can cause the plants to die out.
Additionally, if you have any tender varieties of lavender, it’s best to keep them in containers that can be moved outdoors during warmer months and indoors during the colder months to prevent damage from the cold.
Should I cover my lavender in the winter?
It depends on where you live. If you live in a cold or very cold climate and/or cold zone, then it is recommended to cover your lavender in the winter. If you live in a mild climate and/or warm zone, then your lavender plants should be fine to leave uncovered all winter, as long as you are providing adequate protection from extreme temperatures and moisture.
If you choose to cover your lavender in the winter, it is a good idea to mulch it with a layer of straw or pine needles to protect the roots from fluctuating temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles. Be sure to remove the mulch when the temperatures start to warm up in the spring, as it can cause the plant to overheat.
Additionally, avoid covering with plastic or sealant, as this can cause too much condensation to build up and damage the plant.
How do you keep lavender alive in the winter?
Keeping lavender alive during the winter months can be a challenging endeavor, especially if you live in a region that experiences cold weather. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure your lavender plants stay healthy and vibrant.
First and foremost, you should make sure to provide protection from cold temperatures and wind. You can do this by surrounding the plant with a cold frame or cloche and adding a layer of mulch for insulation.
Additionally, you may want to consider bringing your lavender indoors and placing it in a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse if the outside temperatures will dip below 30°F.
Next, it is important to make sure your lavender plants are not overwatered, as this can lead to them developing fungal diseases and rotting. When watering, keep the soil moist but not saturated; watering around once every week should suffice.
Furthermore, if the temperature drops below freezing, water as infrequently as possible to ensure the soil stays dry and no damage is done to the plant’s roots.
Finally, you should use organic compost to feed your lavender plant during the winter months, as this can help to keep the plant strong and healthy and will provide essential nutrients for growth. However, only apply a light covering of the compost and avoid feeding the lavender too late into the winter season as this can stunt it’s growth.
By following these tips, you should be able to successfully keep your lavender alive during the winter months and have it flourishing come springtime.
Will lavender come back after winter?
Yes, lavender will come back after winter in most cases. Lavender is a hardy perennial, meaning it will typically return each year in climates with cold winters. However, some lavender varieties are more cold-tolerant than others and may not survive a harsh winter or a particularly cold one.
If the temperature of your area dips below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time, then some varieties may not come back or may suffer from winter damage. In those cases, the best option is to replace the plants with cold-tolerant varieties.
When properly cared for, most lavender varieties will come back each year, adding lovely color and fragrance to your garden.
Can I bring my potted lavender inside for the winter?
Yes, bringing your potted lavender inside for the winter is an option. It is important to remember, however, that lavender needs lots of light and plenty of airflow, so it is important to choose an area of your house that will provide these conditions.
When the indoor temperature is too cold, the lavender may struggle and offer a less impressive bloom. To avoid this, make sure to place the lavender in an area with bright, indirect light, and select a pot with good drainage.
When bringing your potted lavender indoors, it is important to inspect it for any pests or diseases, and to check the soil moisture before bringing it in. Finally, give your lavender a light trim and make sure to fertilize it to ensure a strong, healthy reshoot in the spring and a spectacular bloom come summertime.
Will Hidcote lavender survive winter?
Yes, Hidcote lavender is a variety of English Lavender which is a hardy perennial and can easily survive cold winter temperatures. Hidcote is known for its ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions, including extreme cold temperatures.
In colder climates, English lavender varieties such as Hidcote are often grown as annuals and need to be planted anew each year. However, in warmer climates, Hidcote lavender can be planted so that it can survive winter and produce beautiful blooms each year.
For best results, it is important to ensure that the lavender is planted in an area with full sun and well drained soil, and that it is also watered regularly. Additionally, at the end of the season, care should be taken to prune the stems back and to add mulch, to help protect the plants from potential cold weather damage.
Is Hidcote blue the same as Hidcote?
No, Hidcote Blue is not the same as Hidcote. Hidcote is a species of Lavender which is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Hidcote Blue is actually a variety of Lavandula angustifolia which has been developed by crossing several other lavender species.
It was bred for its deep, strong blue color and is named for Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire, England. The Hidcote Blue variety is popular in gardens and landscapes as it produces a lot of blooms and has a strong fragrance.
Does lavender need to be brought in for winter?
Yes, lavender needs to be brought in for winter in order to protect it from harsh, cold weather. Lavender is a perennial and can survive cold temperatures, but it needs to be kept warm during winter.
Freezing temperatures and heavy snow can damage the leaves and stems, so it needs to be moved indoors before it gets too cold. To prepare lavender for winter, prune it back before bringing it in and make sure it’s well-watered.
Place the pot in a south-facing window, which will allow it to get direct sunlight. Monitor the temperature of the plant, as avoid anything colder than 50°F (10°C). There are also a few species, such as L.
dentata, that are more tolerant of cold temperatures and can survive winter outdoors.
