If you want to keep your lavender plants healthy and doing well then pruning them properly is key. Knowing how to prune them the right way is a major part of making sure they continue to grow.
So this easy to follow guide will help you to learn how to prune your lavender so it grows well and doesn’t face any issues. I’ll walk you through each step in a way that is simple to understand and that gives you the practical advice so your lavender thrives.
The Benefits of Pruning
Pruning is often only thought about as something to keep plants looking good. But it’s more than that. It’s a big part of making sure whatever plant it is, in this case lavender, stays healthy and strong. Pruning:
- Encourages new growth
- Makes the air circulate better
- Prevents woodiness at the base
- Makes flowers bloom better
Best Time to Prune
Timing your pruning is a big part of getting it right. For most lavender types the best times are in spring just as the new growth starts to appear and then again in late summer after the flowers finally fade away.
Pruning in spring gives your plant a good start to the growing season. Doing it in the late summer helps to prepare it for the winter months and cold.
Tools You Will Need
- Clean, sharp pruning shears
- Gloves (as lavender can be sticky!)
- A small rake or hand fork for cleanig up afterwards
Step by Step Pruning Guide for Lavender
These easy to follow steps will make sure you get the best results.
Spring Pruning: Stimulating Growth
1. Inspect and Clean Tools
Start with sterilized pruning shears. If you don’t sterilize them first you could spread diseases. Just give them a quick wipe with alcohol or a bleach solution.
2. Evaluate the Plant’s Health
Look closely at your lavender. Find any dead, damaged or diseased stems. These should be what you cut first as removing them will stop decay and disease from spreading and affecting the rest of the plant.
3. Decide on the Shape
Think about the natural shape of your lavender. It should look like a soft, rounded mound. Planning beforehand about where and how you will cut means you can keep it’s shape and won’t end up pruning too much.
4. Begin Pruning
Start by removing any old, woody stems that don’t have new growth at the base. Cut these back to about 2 inches above the ground. And make sure you’re cutting just above fresh, green shoots.
5. Reduce Plant Size
Trim back about one third of the overall height and volume of the plant. Your cuts should be just above a leaf node or a branching point as it will stimulate new growth to sprout from these areas.
6. Thin Out the Center
If your lavender has become too dense and thick in the middle then you can thin it out. This will help with airflow and letting light to the plant, which will in turn make it healthier and more likely to have better blooms.
Late Summer Pruning: Preparing for Dormancy
1. Deadheading
Once the lavender has bloomed and the flowers begin to fade it’s time to deadhead it. This involves cutting off the dead flower stalks down to the first set of leaves. Doing so tidies up the plant and encourages a potential second bloom if you’re in a climate where late season growth happens.
2. Light Shaping Cuts
After deadheading take a step back and really look at the form of your lavender. If it looks uneven or too spread out then make light cuts to shape it. You should be aiming to maintain the symmetry and balance of the plant.
3. Address Woody Growth
Check the base of the plant for old, woody growth that hasn’t produced new shoots. Lightly prune these areas but be careful not to cut into very old wood that doesn’t show signs of new buds as it may not regenerate.
4. Final Touch-Up
Remove any remaining damaged or diseased stems that you noticed while you were deadheading. This cleanup helps the lavender enter the dormant season in the best possible condition.
Tips for Each Cut
Angle Your Cuts: Make cuts at a 45 degree angle about 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud. This angle helps to divert water away from the bud, which will reduce the risk of disease.
Avoid Cutting into Old Wood: Lavender often does not regenerate from old wood. Focus on green, semi hardened wood when making your cuts.
Regularly Clean Blades: If you’re pruning multiple plants then clean your shear blades from time to time to avoid transferring any pests or diseases.
Common Pruning Mistakes
Cutting Too Much: Never prune more than one third of the plant in one go.
Pruning Too Late: Late pruning can lead to tender new shoots that will suffer in the cold of winter.
Ignoring the Plant’s Base: Always make sure the base isn’t becoming too woody as this can will have an impact on your lavenders flowering.
Post Pruning Care
After pruning it’s important to care for your lavender so it recovers well and has the best potential for growing:
Watering Water the plants if the soil is very dry but be careful not to overwater as lavender prefers drier conditions.
Fertilize Lightly Use a low nitrogen or balanced slow release fertilizer to give your lavender the nutrients it needs without encouraging excessive soft, leafy growth that can be damaged in winter.
Mulch Sparingly Apply a thin layer of organic mulch like chopped leaves or bark around the plants. Try to keep it a few inches away from the stems though as you want to stop moisture building up around the base.
Advanced Tips for Lavender Care
Renovating Old Lavender: For very old or woody plants you might want to prune them harder in the spring. You run the risk of killing the plant but at the same time it could rejuvenate an otherwise declining lavender.
Dealing with Pests and Disease: Keep an eye out for fungal diseases and pests. Good air circulation from proper pruning will help to stop these from becoming issues.
Fun Uses for Pruned Lavender
Don’t throw away those pruned lavender stems! Here are some fun uses:
Lavender Sachets Dry the flowers and use them in sachets to scent drawers and wardrobes.
Infusions Use the stems and leaves to make infused oils or vinegars.
Decor Make beautiful wreaths or bundles for a natural decoration.
Final Thoughts
With regular care and these expert tips your lavender should now thrive, giving you its wonderful scent and beauty for many more years.
