Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote
Contents
Description
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote, also known as English Lavender or True Lavender, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers and essential oil. Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote is native to the Mediterranean region and grows up to 60cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lavandula |
Appearance
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote has narrow, gray-green leaves that are about 2-6cm long. Its flowers are small and fragrant, and they bloom in dense spikes that are about 5-8cm long. The flowers are usually a deep purple-blue color, but they can also be pink or white. Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote has a bushy, compact shape and is often used as a hedge or border plant.
Care Guide
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
Water
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote prefers well-drained soil, so be careful not to overwater it. Water your plant deeply once a week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Soil
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote prefers well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If your soil is too acidic, add some lime to raise the pH.
Sunlight
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote thrives in full sun, so be sure to plant it in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but here are some common issues to watch out for:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
Diseases
- Fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew
- Bacterial diseases like leaf spot
Habitat
Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote is native to the Mediterranean region, but it is now widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. It grows well in well-drained, alkaline soil and thrives in full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-drained.
Q: How often should I prune my Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote plant?
A: Prune your Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote plant in early spring, just before new growth starts. You can also lightly prune it throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth.
Q: How do I harvest Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote flowers?
A: Harvest Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote flowers when they are fully open and just starting to fade. Cut the stems just above a set of leaves, and hang them in a cool, dry place to dry.
Q: Can I use Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote essential oil on my skin?
A: Yes, Lavandula Angustifolia Hidcote essential oil is safe to use on the skin, but it should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil before use.
Related Plants
- Lavandula Intermedia
- Lavandula Stoechas
- Lavandula Dentata
- Lavandula Latifolia
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Lavandula Angustifolia
- Royal Horticultural Society: Lavandula Angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
- Gardener’s World: How to Grow Lavandula Angustifolia
