Fragrant, swaying Lavender....

This summer I am imagining walking through fragrant swaying lavender either side of my garden path......although I am not in Provence and I haven't planted anything yet!

1) Does anyone know if it will be OK to plant lavender in the middle of March? (I was recommended "Hidcote") We may be keep getting frosty nights for a little while? (I am in a very rural location BUT in the 'Garden of England')

2) Is Hidcote the best variety? I would also like to pick some to hang in the house if poss.

Any recommendations gratefully received.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Flighty on March 14, 2011 at 17:08

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

Lavender is something I keep meaning to plant on my allotment (I don't have a garden) but haven't yet done so. It's best planted mid spring, which is April, or early autumn.

I don't know which is the best variety as there lots of them, as you can see here -

Lavender plants, gifts & hedges

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Permalink Reply by May Turner on March 14, 2011 at 17:15

Thanks Flighty, right, April it is then. Thanks for the link will check them out, indeed - lots to choose from ..

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Permalink Reply by Jade Hwang on March 14, 2011 at 20:48

I like lavendar and they are very hardy. Choose the English ones and they will be going for years . I try French lavendar one year and they didn't survive the the winter.

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Permalink Reply by Petra Hoyer Millar on March 15, 2011 at 10:43

We planted masses of lavender, mid/end March, two years ago. Probably about one hundred plants. Timing wise we had no real issues. They coped with morning frosts although admittedly they are sheltered within a walled garden. We chose a rather lovely variety called Elizabeth, which is slightly taller than Hidcote, but smaller than Old English. Although, we have much of those two also. The most important lesson is to dig in LOTS and LOTS of gravel. They need masses of drainage! Downderry is a wonderful lavender nursery - they have many varieties, probably all, to choose from! They can probably advise you as to planting time depending on your location. If of interest, have some photo's, links and info http://oxoniangardener.blogspot.com/.

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Permalink Reply by May Turner on March 15, 2011 at 12:00

Petra, thanks for the pointer to Downderry - it is really close to me in Kent - ideal! Elizabeth looks lovely, I am busy poring over all the different varieties now...they are all beautiful.

Good tip about gravel, thank you, will take your advice.

p.s your dog looks gorgeous & great name!..shame they dont stay cute puppies for very long. My parents have had their hands full with their flat coated retreiver puppy - she is stunning but is quite exhausting!

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Permalink Reply by Petra Hoyer Millar on March 15, 2011 at 12:50

You are very welcome. The Downderry team are lovely and their plants have grown into lovely specimens in our garden, so certainly worth a visit. Elizabeth is certainly highly recommended. Very bushy, tall, and just lovely flowers. More detailed than Hidcote and the perfume....delightful.

My best wishes to your parents. We are exhausted...although love Dudley enormously!

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Permalink Reply by Mo on March 15, 2011 at 17:22

I must be the only person in here who sticks things in and leaves them to get on with it :)

We have Lavenders dotted all over the place; I wouldn't be without it and I'm particularly partial to the bushes outside my kitchen door. I've no idea what they all are now. I take cuttings and pop them in wherever I can get away with it. Some survive and thrive, some don't. My cuttings for this year won't go out until April.