Pruning lavender is a crucial practice that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your plants but also ensures their long-term health and productivity. Annual pruning helps prevent the development of a large, woody base that can split open, which not only looks unattractive but can also shorten the lifespan of the plant. With proper care, lavender (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) can thrive for many years, providing beautiful blooms and a delightful fragrance.
For new lavender plants, it’s important to start pruning early. By trimming your young plants back by one-third to one-half, you encourage them to focus on developing strong roots and branching stems. This will result in a lovely mounded growth habit as they mature. When pruning, make sure the outer stems are slightly shorter than the center ones to promote this shape. You may even enjoy a light rebloom as a bonus!
Established lavender plants, typically by their second year, require regular pruning to maintain their health. After the blooms have faded, follow these steps for effective pruning:
1. Locate the woody base of your plant, where the soft green growth meets the woody stems.
2. Trim the soft growth back 2 to 3 inches above the woody area to encourage new growth.
3. Shape the plant by ensuring that the outer stems are lower than the center, maintaining that tidy, mounded appearance.
4. For reblooming varieties, deadhead the spent flowers by cutting back to the first set of leaves, which will prompt quicker regrowth.
However, there are some critical “don’ts” to keep in mind while pruning lavender. Avoid cutting back to the woody stems, as they won’t regrow well. Also, refrain from removing too much foliage at once, as this can stress the plant and lead to its demise. It’s best to avoid pruning after late August, as this can stimulate tender new growth that may not survive the winter. If you miss this window, wait until spring to prune when new growth begins.
By following these pruning techniques, your lavender will not only look fantastic but also thrive for many seasons to come. Happy gardening! πΌβ¨