Pruning Lavender

Over time Lavender plants can become leggy. The way to avoid this is to trim them back just as the flowers are fading. Don't wait until the spring, or the woody stems will have "gaps" between healthy foliage, and the plants will loose their compact habit.

So, once you have enjoyed the purple flowers during June and July, then one day notice they are no longer colourful THAT is the time to get out the shears and give them a good haircut.  Usually around late July to mid August. By pruning now, they have several weeks to put on new fresh foliage well before any winter frosts, and look good all winter.

In our own front garden this hedge is made up of just 3 Lavandula Angustifolia Plants, planted approx 60cm apart. It's amazing how quickly they bulk up into substantial plants, so if planning a new border, allow for each plant to grow into a space of around 60x60cm square. Therefore, if planting next to a path,  or lawn, position the plant at least 30cm from the path edge.

I not only take off the tops, including a few inches beyond the flower stalks themselves, ie into the foliage, but also the sides. This is because otherwise the plant becomes too wide.












The second photo shows them after pruning. Admittedly the sides look a little sad, but in just a few weeks they will have greened up once more.

The sides will soon recover with fresh new shoots.

A very easy plant, proving several weeks of interest, and taking about 10-15 minutes of maintenance a year. A bonus that our compost bin also smells of Lavender!