Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Looking for compact, fully hardy lavender.

KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
in Problem solving
I have a row of Hidcote lavenders running down one side of a path, and over the years it has become much taller, to the extent that it now flops 2 feet or more over the path.  I cut it back as hard as I can each year, but now the flower stems are 2 to 3 feet high above the bush. Because of the location it's not possible to put in a low picket type fence to support it.  I'd like to replace it with something more compact but bee friendly and fully hardy.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
«1

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I have "Blue cushion" alongside the drive, alive with bees at the moment.  They've been in at least 6 years , probably nearer 8.
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/lavandula-angustifolia-blue-cushion/
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I'm beginning to suspect that what was sold to me as 'Hidcote' is nothing of the sort.  According to the RHS Hidcote only grows to about 20 inches in old money.  Mine is nearer 4 feet from base to flower top.  The flower stems are longer each year.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    AnniD said:
    I have "Blue cushion" alongside the drive, alive with bees at the moment.  They've been in at least 6 years , probably nearer 8.
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/lavandula-angustifolia-blue-cushion/

    What height does that grow to, including flowers?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    According to the info on that link, 40cm!
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    There is one called "Hidcote Giant". Maybe that's what you have.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,394
    Munstead stays compact for me
    East Yorkshire
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Sorry @KT53, only just seen your question. I would say 40 cm is right including the flowers. They remain very upright,  and over winter after the flowers have been trimmed off,  they stay very compact.  My neighbour says they remind him of a parade of hedgehogs 🦔.
    I dug out the label and it says 40 cm on that as well. Had to ask OH to translate as l still work in "old money" 😊
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    Flower stems 2-3 feet above the foliage sounds weird, are you sure you have angustifolia lavender (English) and not x intermedia (lavandin)? They are both hardy but intermedias are much bigger. All my English lavenders are low spreaders.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    edited July 2020
    All I know is that is was labelled as Hidcote when I bought it.  It has been like Topsy and 'growed' every year.  I've attached a photo to show what it's like.  The slabs are 600mm wide.  Edited to add: I've just measured the flower stems and they are just over 2 feet long above the main bush growth.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I'm not sure I'd say any lavender was guaranteed to be " fully hardy" in UK.
    Devon.
Sign In or Register to comment.