What is the best type of lavender for a low, highly scented hedge?

[MaCosta]

We have a patio area outside the kitchen surrounded by a two foot wall. The garden is up a few steps. I would like to plant lavender on top of the wall (well next to it but at garden level IYSWIM) so that when we are sitting down it will all be at head height and we will get the scent. I need a small variety though since I don't want to block the sun.

Any suggestions as to varieties?

[funnyperson]

lavender hidcote

[BoreOfWhabylon]

Will it grow in a not-sunny spot? I'd like to plant some along the base of my front fence but is v shady there.

[Thumbwitch]

If you want a smaller compact version, but still highly scented, then English lavender Munstead might be better; my Dad has hidcote in his garden and it's a wild bush!

[Thumbwitch]

Interestingly the info given suggests that hidcote only grows up to 15"; but even the photos show it to be bigger than that!

[funnyperson]

munstead is also v nice

[NearlySchoolTime]

Watching with interest as I want to put in a lavender hedge this year. Munstead sounds a good bet.

[MaCosta]

Fab, I'll take a look at those two. Is there a difference in how scented they are?

This is a south facing spot which gets sun from about 11.30 onwards until about 4. Presumably that will be ok?

[aircooled]

Hidcote is a deep violet, Munstead is paler. Sometimes plants sold as these varieties are seedlings rather than cuttings from the original so can vary in colour, habit and size. A specialist lavender nursery might be the best bet e.g. Downderry.

[Thumbwitch]

I think the placement sounds fine, and they're both rated as highly scented. I can vouch for the truth of that with the hidcote, but not as a general "on the breeze" thing, more of a "if you touch it you can really smell it" thing. My mum used to make lavender bags with the dried heads, and they would last for ages.