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Lavender is not only esteem for its long - lasting , fragrant bloom but also for its power to thrive with very lilliputian maintenance . But one job that ’s indispensable to keep on your lavender shrubs robust , sound , and attractive is regular pruning .
Although pruning lavender is a fairly easy job that any nurseryman can overcome , it ’s important to have sex the right technique and timing so you do n’t do more harm to your plants than good . By following these introductory guidelines , you will downplay stress to your plant life while encouraging them to put on a fecund exhibit of bloom year after twelvemonth .
WHEN TO PRUNE LAVENDER
By cutting back your lavender at least once a twelvemonth , you will make the growth of plush new foliage and flowers and assistance to maintain your plant ’s shape and fullness . However , some lavender shrubs will benefit from multiple prunings throughout the grow time of year , depending on their age and vigor . Here ’s a dislocation of the optimal timing for your pruning session .
representative by Olga Akbarova
HOW TO PRUNE LAVENDER: 3 STEPS
TOP LAVENDER PRUNING MISTAKES TO AVOID
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T PRUNE YOUR LAVENDER?
Not pruning your lavender can have pretty serious moment , both in term of your plant ’s appearance and longevity . Because lavender is a semi - woody shrub , it has a tendency to recrudesce stretch , woody stems if plants are n’t pruned regularly . Not only do these scraggly staunch produce few blooms , they eventually straggle outward , result an surly hole in the middle of your works .
What ’s more , if you omit to dress your plants for several years , the woody base will continue to increase in size , making it impossible to restore your plant to its former show . Unpruned lavender plants also have forgetful life because they are more susceptible to fungal diseases and break .
Sweet Romance ® Lavender . pic by Proven Winners
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can lavender be cut back to the ground?
Many fledgling lavender growers miss their plant by cutting them completely down to the earth in late crepuscule or early outflow , like they do their herbaceous perennials . While you wo n’t injure your plant by shear it back by as much as one - half , you should not cut low into old wood . Always leave behind several inches of gullible growing .
Can I prune lavender during the growing season?
Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to promote bushier emergence and prolong bloom . you’re able to also prune your lavender while in flush if you desire to glean the flowers for culinary uses , variety , or fragrancy .
Should you deadhead lavender?
In addition to pruning , snip off off the flower of your lavender after they have fade can also be beneficial . Not only will this avail keep your plants tidy , it will also advance more flowers and extend the blooming full stop .
Can woody lavender be saved?
Once lilac plants become woody and lose their desired bod , restoring them to their bushy appearance can take some time and patience . Start by pruning your plants in the bounce , cut back to the lowest emerging bud . In midsummer , prune again to shape your plant into nice , symmetric mounds , which will help to deoxidise straggly growing . Just be indisputable to wait several calendar month between prunings so your plants have a fortune to recuperate . If your rehabbing elbow grease are n’t successful , your plants may be too far choke and will need to be replaced .
Should I prune lavender the first year after planting?
Even a first - year lavender plant can benefit from pruning , but you wo n’t need to cut it back as dramatically as you would a more fledged , overgrown plant . By give your lavender a light pruning the first class after establish , you’re able to shape the plant more easily , encourage shaggy-coated growth , and subdue the formation of woody stems .
