If you want to keep your lavender plants healthy, vibrant and blooming beautifully then choosing the right time to prune them is important. It’s not just about keeping your garden tidy; it’s essential for the health of your lavender.
But it’s easy to prune lavender the wrong way. And then you’ll have ruined one of your favorite herbs.
So follow this simple pruning guide and you can guarantee you’ll have the best results with wonderful and healthy lavender.
Why Prune Lavender?
Pruning lavender helps to stimulate new growth, extend the plant’s lifespan and improve flower production. Regular pruning helps lavender avoid becoming woody and sparse – the less desirable parts where flowers are few and far between. Pruned lavender is healthier, more robust and has a more appealing shape.
Understanding Lavender Varieties
Before we get into the pruning specifics it’s a good idea to know which kind of lavender you’re dealing with.
The two main types – English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula stoechas)b- have slightly different needs, including when and how they should be pruned.
English Lavender
This is the classic garden variety known for its hardiness and sweet fragrance. It typically blooms once, maybe twice a season if you’re lucky and the conditions are right.
French Lavender
French lavender has distinctive butterfly like petals and will often bloom throughout the summer. It’s less hardy in colder climates but makes up for it with a longer flowering period.
When to Prune Lavender
The timing of your pruning largely depends on the type of lavender you have and the climate of your area. Here’s a more detailed look at when to prune different varieties of lavender throughout the year.
Understanding Bloom Cycles
First it’s important to note that lavender blooms on the stems that grow in the current year. Pruning is strategically timed to stimulate these growths without jeopardizing the plant’s robustness or next season’s bloom.
Spring Pruning: Awakening Your Lavender
Spring is a vital time for pruning lavender, especially as it emerges from its winter dormancy. This early pruning is focused on removing any dead stems and old, spent blooms that have carried over from the previous season. For all types of lavender:
- Timing: Prune in late spring, after the last frost but before the onset of new growth. This typically falls around late April to early May in many climates.
- Method: Trim off any dead wood and cut back about a third of the previous year’s growth to keep the plant compact and encourage new growth. Always leave some green, non woody growth on each stem to help with healthy regeneration.
Summer Pruning: Enhancing Plant Health and Bloom
After the first flowering peak, usually in late June or early July, pruning your lavender can encourage a second flush of flowers, particularly in varieties like English lavender. Here’s how to handle summer pruning:
- Timing: Light prune shortly after the first bloom starts to fade, usually in mid to late July.
- Method: Cut back the spent flower stalks down to the first set of new leaves. This not only tidies up the plant but also redirects its energy towards producing more blooms and, in some cases, a second flowering.
Late Summer or Early Fall Pruning: Preparing for Dormancy
In some warmer climates, where lavender continues to grow into the fall, a second, more substantial pruning may be necessary. This helps to shape the plant and prepare it for winter.
For cooler climates pruning should be handled with care to prevent stimulating new growth that won’t survive the frost.
- Timing: Prune in late August or early September, depending on your local climate conditions. Avoid pruning too late in the fall as this can lead to frost damage of new growths.
- Method: Trim the plants to shape them but avoid cutting them back too hard. Focus on removing only the flower stalks and any thin, spindly growth to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of mold and pests.
Regional Considerations
- Colder Zones (1-5):Limit pruning to early spring to avoid frost damage. Fall pruning is not recommended as it can lead to new growths that will not survive the winter.
- Moderate Zones (6-8): Both spring and late summer pruning are beneficial, with light tidy-ups as needed.
- Warmer Zones (9-11): These areas might allow for more flexibility with later fall pruning due to milder winters.
Why Timing Matters
Proper timing is key as it gives the plant enough time to heal and regenerate before it either goes dormant in the winter or faces the hottest part of the summer. Mistiming your pruning can stress the plant, reduce blooms or even cause death in harsh climates.
How to Prune Lavender
Pruning lavender is not complex, but it requires a gentle hand and the right tools. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need sharp, clean pruning shears. Disinfect your tools before use to prevent the spread of disease.
Step 2: Cutting Back
When pruning never cut into the woody base of the plant if you can avoid it. Always leave a few inches of green growth on the stems. This makes sure that your lavender doesn’t just survive but thrives.
Step 3: Shaping
Shape the lavender into a mounded form, which helps with air circulation and sunlight penetration. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a dome shape which allows rainwater to disperse effectively and prevent root rot.
Caring for Your Lavender After Pruning
Post pruning care is as important as the pruning itself. Here are a few tips to ensure your lavender continues to perform well:
- Watering: Lavender does not require a lot of water. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Feeding: Use a light hand with fertilizer. Lavender typically thrives in poor soil and too much fertilizer can lead to floppy growth.
- Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch like gravel or sand to help with drainage and prevent root rot.
Troubleshooting Common Lavender Issues
Sometimes
despite your best efforts lavender can run into trouble. You troubleshoot some of the most common issues:
- Leggy Plants: If your lavender becomes leggy it’s usually a sign that it needs more sunlight or a stricter pruning regimen.
- Rot: Root rot occurs when lavender is too wet. You want your soil to be draining well and make sure you’re not overwatering your plants.
- Pests and Disease: Keep an eye out for pests and signs of disease. Healthy, well pruned lavender is less susceptible to these problems but an occasional check can help you catch issues early.
