Love the look and smell of lavender in your garden—but not sure which type to plant or how to do it properly? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through two of the best-selling lavender varieties from LavenderWorld.co.uk and help you decide which is right for your garden or patio. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Summary
If you want classic English lavender that’s hardy and ideal for borders or hedging, go for Lavandula ‘Hidcote’. Prefer a softer fragrance and earlier bloom? Choose Lavandula ‘Munstead’, perfect for edging and smaller spaces. Both are beginner-friendly, pollinator-approved, and available from Lavender World with doorstep delivery and seasonal discounts.
Lavandula Angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
What it is
‘Hidcote’ is one of the most popular English lavender varieties in the UK. It features deep purple blooms, a dense bushy habit, and a robust fragrance. This plant is often used in formal gardens, cottage borders, and aromatic hedges.
Why we recommend it
- Hardy in most UK climates
- Strong fragrance and beautiful dark colour
- Great for hedging or mass planting
- Loved by bees and butterflies
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cold-hardy and drought-resistant
- Low maintenance and long-lived
- Strong fragrance for oils or drying
- Easy to prune and shape
Cons:
- Takes slightly longer to bloom than Munstead
- Needs full sun and well-drained soil
Grow Hidcote from home: Order Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ from Lavender World »
Lavandula Angustifolia ‘Munstead’
What it is
‘Munstead’ is a classic variety of English lavender, slightly smaller and more compact than Hidcote, with paler purple flowers and a softer scent. It blooms earlier and is ideal for edging paths or filling containers.
Why we recommend it
- Perfect for smaller gardens or pots
- Softer fragrance and earlier blooming
- Elegant texture with silvery-green foliage
- Easy to establish and prune
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ideal for pots and edging
- Early blooming variety
- Compact growth for tidy borders
- Also winter-hardy in most of the UK
Cons:
- Less dramatic in colour than Hidcote
- Slightly less fragrant for dried use
Add a soft, early bloomer to your garden: Buy Lavandula ‘Munstead’ now »
Comparison / Verdict / Final Thoughts
| Feature | Hidcote | Munstead |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Deep purple | Soft lavender-pale |
| Fragrance | Strong and bold | Gentle and mild |
| Best Use | Borders, hedging, mass planting | Pots, edging, small gardens |
| Bloom Time | Mid–late summer | Early–mid summer |
| Size | Medium to large | Compact |
| Hardiness | Excellent in UK climates | Excellent in UK climates |
The final verdict?
Both are excellent choices, and many gardeners use both varieties to create layered colour and staggered blooming times. If you want something bold and structured, start with Hidcote. If you prefer gentle charm and early blooms, choose Munstead.
Want to enjoy fragrant, bee-friendly blooms all summer long? Shop Lavender World’s trusted UK-grown plants, often with seasonal discounts and speedy delivery.
