Pruning lavender is important to prevent the plant from becoming woody and less productive – but when is the best time to prune lavender and how exactly do you do it?
Lavenders, with their delightful scent and ability to brighten any garden, are relatively straightforward to care for, provided you prune them at the right time. Pruning lavender is crucial to stop it from turning woody and less productive; a good trim encourages the plant to focus its energy on blooming more vigorously. Wondering when to give your lavender plants a haircut?
He explained: “The best time to give your English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavenderin (Lavandula x intermedia) types a decent pruning is late summer to early autumn.”
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For those cultivating French lavender (Lavandula dentata), the approach differs due to their sensitivity to harsh winter weather and overall delicacy, reports the Express.
He advised: “Therefore, as soon as you notice new growth beginning in the early spring, give them a small trim. This light trimming encourages your lavender to grow bushy and gets rid of any winter die-back.”
Yet, for English lavender to thrive and become bushier, larger, and more robust in the next growing season, it’s essential to prune at least six weeks before the first frost hits.
David remarked: “By removing spent flower stalks, you’re preparing for a blooming season next year. And don’t forget about shape-pruning now keeps your lavender clean and compact, avoiding the scraggly, woody aspect that may make your garden appear unkempt.”
How do you prune lavender?
Gardening expert David has shared his top tips for pruning lavender, emphasising the importance of a gentle touch, particularly with younger plants.
He advises taking your time and using clean, sharp secateurs to carefully prune away any dead or woody stems without harming the plant.
David explained: “You want to cut back about a third of the plant, focusing on the green, leafy parts, leaving the woody bit alone.”
He also suggests trimming the outer edges slightly shorter than the middle for a pleasing rounded shape, adding: “For a nice rounded look, give the outside a slightly shorter trim than the middle. Don’t go overboard.
“A little naturalness is always charming. And remember, lavender is tough, so don’t be shy about giving it a good clip. It’ll bounce back.”
Pruning lavender in late summer is ideal, as it allows the plant ample time to prepare for winter, ensuring it remains vigorous and healthy.
David remarked: “A good prune now will pay off big time next year. You’ll notice a huge difference. Your lavender will look fuller, bushier, and healthier.”
He reassures gardeners that although the lavender may appear bare initially, it will regenerate stronger, saying: “Plus, you can expect more of those lovely purple flowers. It might look a bit bare for a while, but trust me, it’ll grow back stronger than ever.”
