QA

When To Cut Back Lavender

When and how to prune: 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.

What month do you prune lavender?

Left to their own devices, lavender can become woody and ungainly, so to keep plants compact and attractive, it’s best to trim them annually in late summer, just after flowering has finished. Remove any spent flower stalks and about 2.5cm (1in) of leaf growth.

Should lavender be cut back before winter?

A. Unpruned lavenders tend to become woody and have decreased blooms. 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.

How do you cut back lavender for winter?

Using a clean, sharp pair of secateurs cut each stem back by up to a third, to remove the flowers and some of the green stem growth. Do not cut the plant back ‘hard’ by going near the woody base of the stem – it is essential to leave plenty of green on the stems when the plants are young.

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.

Can I prune lavender in March?

The first trim needs be done by early March. This is the trim that tidies up your plants for summer and encourages lots of flowers. Lavender that was planted last year must not be spared! If the weather turns frosty early, it won’t hurt to cover up your plants for the first few frosts to give them a bit more time.

Can you hard prune lavender?

Right after flowering, or by the end of September at the latest, give your plants a very hard trim, as shown in our lavender trimming video. Cut all the new growth back down to 1-2cms above the older, woody part of the stem, leaving between one and three leaf buds.

Should I trim dead lavender?

The basic rule of pruning lavender is not to trim into brown, dead wood. You’ll usually find brown branches at the base of the plant. Remove them only when they are truly dead. Never cut them back, hoping to stimulate new growth.

Does lavender stay green in winter?

A NEW DAY FOR LAVENDER Not only does it retain its foliage through the winter, but it also stands up to humidity. And that’s no small feat for a species that originated in the dry, hot climates of Africa, Europe and Asia. The plant looks amazing in winter, maintaining its silver-grey foliage atop a neat, compact mound.

How do I prepare lavender for winter?

Prepare lavenders for winter by pruning them late summer or early fall, into a dense mound shape to increase resistance from hostile winter weather and to deflect snow. Clear away fallen leaves and decaying organic matter from around the lavenders as this will only encourage the disease root rot.

Can I cut lavender back in April?

When to prune lavender Carry out lavender pruning in late August, just after flowering has finished. Don’t leave it too late, as any re-growth will need time to harden up before the first frosts. You can also trim your lavenders in April, but this will delay flowering slightly.

Can I prune lavender in May?

While some gardeners and gardening books recommend pruning lavender in the spring, generally speaking,there is now consensus that the best time for pruning English lavender is in the late summer – in the second half of August.

How do you revive a woody lavender plant?

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. Use sharp secateurs to cut as close as you can to the new growth without harming it.

Does lavender have a lifespan?

Lavender is a perennial and has been known to survive up to 15 years in home gardens. Longevity can be increase through many methods of lavender growing. Soil preparation, soil amendments, drainage, pruning, winter protection and proper harvesting can result in a life long lavender hedge.

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. Usually the fungus botrytis spp is responsible for lavender leaves turning gray although there are a few pathogens that may cause lavenders to turn gray.

Is my lavender dead or dormant?

If the stems snap easily, they are dead. Test the entire plant to get a sense of what sections are dead, and which still have life. From Farmer Rick: “Remember to look at the inside of the wood you cut – if you see any green, there is life, and hope for the plant.”Apr 24, 2020.