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Lavender bushes need to be cut back every year to keep them from growing out of control. “Pruning lavender keeps it looking full, encourages new growth and flowering, and gives you lots of fresh tips to harvest throughout the season,” says Amy Fedele, a home gardening expert and Pretty Purple Door blogger.
What happens if you don’t prune lavender?
An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp. and hybrids) plants. Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open — it looks bad and shortens the plant’s lifespan.
When should lavender be cut back?
Pruning: Prune right after the first flowering and again in late August after the last flush has faded. Cut off about 2/3 of the plant’s height or to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Take care not to cut into the woody part of the plant which can cause damage.
Do you prune lavender for winter?
However, lavender should not be pruned during the winter. Unlike many perennial plants and shrubs that can be pruned now, it is best to wait to prune lavender until after bloom in spring or in early fall before any danger of frost. Pruning now can cause dieback that may kill the plant.
How do you cut back lavender for winter?
Remove any dead branches all the way down to the hedge bottom. (see image) Following a harsh winter season as seen during the winter of 2013-14 (see 2014 Winter Blog) you may want to prune the entire lavender bush down to the bare woody hedge.
How do you revive woody lavender?
1 READ THE PLANT This woody lavender has gaps and splayed areas, so it’s a good candidate for renovation pruning. Small shoots emerging from the woody base indicate that stems should regenerate. 2 CUT OUT OLD GROWTH Carefully cut out the old growth above the young shoots to open up the middle of the plant.
How do you revive lavender?
The only way to revive lavender that has been in the shade is to transfer it to a pot and place it in the sun as quickly as possible. Lavenders require sun all year round, including during the winter dormancy so plant the lavender in a nice open space that is not under a tree canopy or any other shade.
How do you keep lavender from getting leggy?
Pruning lavender gently each and every year, as described above, will keep it compact and stop it getting leggy before time. Lavender has a limited lifespan of looking great, with the dense foliage and profuse flowers that we love so much.
Why is my lavender turning GREY?
Lavender can turn gray because of frost damage or as a result of a fungal disease, caused by over watering or slow draining soils. It is worth noting that there are many different lavender varieties, and lavender leaves range from a dark green to a silvery, almost gray colour, so your lavender may well be okay.
How do you prune woody lavender?
For basic lavender pruning: stay within the “green leaf” area of the shrub. All the methods for rejuvenating your lavender will require time. Your lavender will look like a work in progress for up to three years. It won’t look nice but it will be fun to see it grow!.
How do you winterize lavender?
Most lavenders die during winter because the soil they are planted in becomes waterlogged or soggy. Make sure your lavender is planted in a spot that has fast-draining soil, and work organic matter in the form of compost or peat moss as well as horticultural sand into the planting site.
Do lavender plants spread?
Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.
How do you maintain a lavender plant?
Water plants deeply but infrequently, when the soil is almost dry. Prune every year immediately after bloom. For low-growing lavenders, trim back foliage 1 to 2 inches. Starting in a plant’s second year, all 2- to 4-foot lavenders should be cut back by about a third to keep the plant from getting overly woody.
What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?
Don’t cut back marginally hardy perennials like garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), and Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum).
How long does a lavender plant live?
Lavenders do not live forever — most become rangy and very woody after four or five years, even with proper pruning. Pulling the plants out will perhaps improve the looks of your yard, but we would not suggest rushing out to purchase new lavenders.
Can I prune lavender in October?
Lavenders are relatively easy to prune and pruning every year will help slow down the formation of wood and extend the vigour and lifetime of your plant. Pruning in late-August or early autumn will encourage good air circulation, which guards against rot.
Why is my lavender dying from the bottom up?
Your lavender is dying from the bottom up because you are overwatering the plant. Lavender does not like frequent watering and you should only water the plant once in two to three weeks. Don’t water the plant for a few weeks and your lavender plant should improve.
Why is my lavender turning woody?
Any Lavender that has any age at all tends to get woody at the base. It’s just the nature of the beast. Proper pruning can slow this tendency and limit or control it to some extent. Well maintained plants can live for 10 years or more if they are happy where they are planted and conditons are right.
Why is my lavender drying up and dying?
Lavender that is drying out is usually because of over watering, slow draining soils or high humidity that encourages root rot and fungal diseases. To solve the problem, snip away any infected roots and dry stems and replant the lavender in a pot with well draining soil.
