Lavandin Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant'
ABOUT
Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant', commonly known as lavender, features an appealing growth habit that includes gray-green foliage that is both neat and robust, providing a strong backdrop for its alluring blooms. The foliage consists of slender leaves that have a silver touch, typically associated with many herbs which gives the plant a soft-textured look. This lavender variety is particularly known for its flower spikes, which bear small, fragrant, tubular flowers in a rich, deep purple color. These flower spikes are larger than those found on many other lavender varieties, making the 'Hidcote Giant' a favorite for its visual impact. The blooms tend to appear in clusters atop long stems that protrude elegantly from the foliage, creating a spectacular show during the flowering season. The flowers are a favorite for bees and butterflies, adding an extra layer of life and vibrancy to any garden setting where the plant is grown. The plant's overall structure is rounded and dense, forming a shrub-like appearance. It presents a harmonious blend of its silvery foliage and deep purple flowers, exuding a classic Mediterranean charm. The lavender's aromatic qualities are as integral to its identity as its visual ones, and 'Hidcote Giant' is no exception, offering a rich, soothing scent that is cherished in gardens and in harvested form for various uses, including in sachets, oils, and culinary exploits.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Hidcote Giant Lavender, Hybrid Lavender, Lavandin.
Common names
Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lavender is generally not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting lavender in typical culinary amounts is usually safe, and it is often used in food and tea for its flavor and potential health benefits. However, consuming lavender in large quantities may lead to discomfort, such as an upset stomach, nausea, or headache. Essential oils derived from lavender should not be ingested due to their high concentration and potential toxicity. Always consult with a professional before using herbal products for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Lavender is not typically toxic to pets. It is generally considered to be of low toxicity and is sometimes used in pet products for its scent and calming properties. However, as with humans, ingestion of large quantities of lavender plants or essential oils can lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in pets. It is important to keep essential oils away from pets, as they can be sensitive to the concentrated compounds. Always exercise caution and consult with a veterinarian if you believe your pet has ingested a potentially harmful substance.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Large, deep violet flowers add beauty and contrast to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a strong, pleasant lavender scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects are attracted to the flowers, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and maintenance in suitable climates.
- Culinary Use: The blooms can be used in various culinary dishes and for flavoring honey.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The plant is not typically favored by deer or rabbits, reducing the risk of damage in the garden.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in various ways, including as a border plant, in rock gardens, or as a low hedge.
Medical Properties- Essential oils: Lavender is known for its essential oils which are thought to have calming and sedative properties, potentially aiding in sleep and relaxation.
- Stress and anxiety relief: Commonly used in aromatherapy, lavender may help alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory: Lavender oil has been used to treat minor burns and bug bites due to its potential antiseptic and anti-inflammatory attributes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant') can be used as a natural moth repellent when dried and placed in sachets in closets and drawers.
- The plant's stems, when dried and bundled, serve as a firestarter for campfires or fireplaces, emitting a pleasant fragrance as they burn.
- Lavandin flowers can be incorporated into homemade soap for added texture and natural fragrance.
- Lavandin blossoms are sometimes used to flavor sugars and desserts, imparting a subtle lavender taste to culinary creations.
- Through steam distillation, lavandin essential oil is produced and used in homemade cleaning products for its natural antibacterial properties.
- The plant can be crafted into decorative wreaths or arrangements, which retain their color and fragrance for a long time.
- Dried lavandin can be used as a natural carpet freshener by sprinkling it on the carpet before vacuuming to release its scent.
- The flowers can be used to create a natural dye, yielding colors from pink to purple, depending on the mordant used.
- Lavandin can be used in homemade potpourri mixes, contributing a lasting fragrance to the blend.
- Lavandin stalks are sometimes added to smoker pellets or wood chips to infuse grilled foods with a subtle herbaceous flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender is often used in Feng Shui to promote relaxation, calmness, and a sense of tranquility, which is believed to improve Qi flow. It can be placed in the living room or bedroom to create a peaceful atmosphere and promote better sleep.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calming and Relaxation: As a variety of lavender, the 'Hidcote Giant' is commonly associated with calm and relaxation due to the soothing properties of its fragrance, making it a symbol for tranquility and peace.
- Healing: Lavender has been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. It symbolizes health and well-being.
- Purity and Cleanliness: The clean, fresh scent of lavender is often associated with purity and cleanliness.
- Devotion and Love: In some cultures, giving lavender to a loved one expresses devotion or a deep affection.
- Protection: Historically, lavender was believed to ward off evil spirits, and it is still thought to offer protection today.
- Silence and Serenity: The plant's peaceful nature associates it with silence and serenity, often used in places seeking to create an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
- Royalty: The color purple, typically resembling lavender's blossoms, is often associated with royalty and elegance.
WaterLavender 'Hidcote Giant' prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. The watering method should ensure the plant’s soil is allowed to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. For established plants, water every two to three weeks with about 1 gallon per plant, depending on the weather conditions - less if it's raining regularly, and more during hot, dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. Overwatering and poor drainage can be detrimental, leading to root rot, so ensure good soil drainage.
LightLavender 'Hidcote Giant' thrives in full sun exposure. It requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to grow healthily and produce abundant blooms. The plant is best positioned in a spot where it will receive ample morning and afternoon sun, such as in a south-facing garden or against a wall that reflects additional light.
TemperatureLavender 'Hidcote Giant' prefers temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. The ideal growing temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this lavender variety can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to provide some winter protection in the colder zones. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can also stress the plant, so consider providing afternoon shade or extra water in regions with high summer temperatures.
PruningPruning Lavender 'Hidcote Giant' is essential for maintaining a compact shape and promoting vigorous blooming. Prune once a year in early spring, just as new growth begins but before flowering. Cut back about a third of the previous year's growth. Proper pruning prevents the plant from becoming woody and sparse at the base. Additionally, after the first flush of flowers, you can prune lightly after each bloom cycle to encourage more blooms and extend the flowering season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender 'Hidcote Giant' prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8. A good mix can be created with equal parts garden soil, coarse sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingLavender 'Hidcote Giant' should be repotted every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous to prevent excess soil moisture.
Humidity & MistingLavender 'Hidcote Giant' thrives in dry conditions with low to moderate humidity levels, ideally between 30% and 50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and little watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant', commonly known as Lavender, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in warm soil in spring after the threat of frost has passed. The seedlings develop into small plants, establishing a root system and foliage through the vegetative stage over the course of the first growing season. In the following year, Lavender enters its flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing tall spires of fragrant purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which mature by late summer, releasing seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during autumn and winter, conserving energy for the next growing season. As a perennial, Lavender will continue this cycle for several years, with proper care, including pruning to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Lavandula × intermedia 'Hidcote Giant', commonly known as lavender, is by semi-ripe stem cuttings. This is typically done in late summer. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering shoots from the current year's growth and cut them to a length of about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters), just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the chance of success. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of sand and peat to strike roots. Keep the cuttings in a warm place with indirect light and maintain moisture without saturating the soil until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
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