Hidcote vs Munstead lavender
The two classic English lavenders, both small enough for an edging, and both named after famous English gardens: Hidcote Manor and Gertrude Jekyll's Munstead Wood. 'Hidcote' has the darker flowers, a deep purple. 'Munstead' is paler, lavender-blue, and a little lower. Both need full sun and soil that drains fast, and both die in wet winter soil.
 English lavender 'Hidcote'Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' |  English lavender 'Munstead'Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18 in tall, 18 in wide | 16 in tall, 18 in wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 18 in apart |
| Zones | 5 to 8 | 5 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility |
| Flowers | Late June to late July; purple | Late June to late July; lavender |
| Leaves | Fine, evergreen | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Edging | Edging |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | Toxic (mild) |
| Deer | Not listed as resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- On the record they are near twins: choose by the look you want.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. What English lavender 'Munstead' brings beside English lavender 'Hidcote': in flower together for six weeks, from late June; a low mound at the foot of its spires; happy in the same dry soil. They share full sun and zones 5 to 8.
Read more: all about English lavender 'Hidcote', and all about English lavender 'Munstead', each with a bed the planner designed around it.