For the true Lavender lover, it is somewhat invidious to even suggest that one Lavender may be ‘better’ than another and, certainly, there really is no such thing as a Lavender that doesn’t deserve its place in the garden. Nonetheless, people have their favourites. Here are the first three of our most popular Lavenders:
#7 Lavender Hidcote (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’) AGM
For some time Hidcote has deservedly been one of the most popular dwarf Lavenders in British gardens and many will be surprised that it is propping up our list rather than topping it. Its strong fragrance, elegant, slim silver-grey foliage, complemented by dense yet delicate dark purple flowers on short spikes make it an exceptionally attractive plant. Perhaps the explanation is that gardeners are turning to the visually similar, slightly hardier, somewhat taller and more vigorous Lavender Hidcote?
#6 Lavender Twickle Purple (Lavandula Angustifolia ‘Twickle Purple’)
(Pictured above) Originating in the Netherlands a century ago, this vigorous lavender with impressive, long mauve flower spikes and contrasting lush, compact green-grey long leaves is ideal for edging and low border hedges. It is also something of a domestic favourite as it is a popular choice for potpourri and among more adventurous cooks looking for an alternative to Rosemary.
#5 Dwarf Blue (Lavendula Angustifolia)
This robust cultivar is compact, highly fragrant and, unlike most Lavenders, grows with near military precision. Its shortish stems are a mass of light blue flowers from mid to late summer. Winter hardy, it is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to the similar, but much less hardy, Lavandula Angustifolia Munstead.
Whether Lavender Dwarf Blue is formally trimmed or left to its own, and free-flowing, devices, it works well as a flowering border, boundary hedge or a specimen plant in a pot, tub or rockery.
The next two follow in our succeeding post.
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