Pruning lavender is essential for keeping the plant healthy, promoting bushy growth, and ensuring abundant blooms year after year. While lavender is relatively low-maintenance, improper pruning can lead to a woody, less productive plant. Follow this guide to prune lavender correctly and keep it thriving.
Why Prune Lavender?
- Promotes Healthy Growth: Regular pruning encourages new, vibrant growth and prevents the plant from becoming overly woody.
- Extends Lifespan: Pruning helps maintain the plant’s structure and prolongs its life.
- Boosts Flower Production: Removing spent blooms ensures more energy is directed toward producing flowers.
When to Prune Lavender
- First Pruning: In early spring, just as new growth appears.
- Second Pruning: After the main flowering season, typically in late summer or early fall.
How to Prune Lavender
1. Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp pruning shears or scissors.
- Gardening gloves (optional, but helpful for handling aromatic lavender).
2. Early Spring Pruning
- Inspect the Plant: Look for dead or damaged stems.
- Trim Dead Stems: Cut back any gray, brittle stems to encourage new growth.
- Shape the Plant: Remove about one-third of the plant’s overall size, focusing on shaping it into a neat mound. Avoid cutting into the woody base, as this does not regrow.
3. Summer/Fall Pruning (After Blooming)
- Remove Spent Blooms: Use shears to snip off flower stalks just above the foliage.
- Cut Back Growth: Trim back the green, leafy parts of the plant by about one-third. Avoid cutting into woody stems.
- Shape the Plant: Maintain a rounded, compact shape to prepare it for overwintering.
Key Pruning Tips
- Avoid Cutting into Old Wood: Lavender does not regenerate from woody stems, so always prune above the woody base.
- Don’t Over-Prune: Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
- Prune Young Plants: Regularly prune lavender in its early years to establish a strong, compact shape.
- Annual Maintenance: Prune every year to keep the plant healthy and flowering consistently.
After-Pruning Care
- Water Sparingly: Lavender is drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering after pruning.
- Mulch Lightly: Use gravel or sandy mulch to maintain soil drainage and prevent weeds.
- Fertilize Gently: Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed.
Bonus: What to Do with Lavender Cuttings
- Dry the Flowers: Use pruned flowers for sachets, potpourri, or tea.
- Propagate New Plants: Root softwood cuttings from green stems to grow new lavender plants.
By pruning lavender the right way, you’ll enjoy a healthy, beautiful plant with lush blooms and a delightful fragrance for years to come. 🌱💜