When Is It Best To Cut Back Lavender?

Lavender is a popular perennial plant known for its fragrant flowers and foliage. While lavender is relatively easy to care for, it does require pruning to keep it looking healthy and attractive. Knowing when to prune your lavender is essential for maintaining its overall appearance and health. However, pruning at the wrong time can harm the plant and reduce its productivity. In this article, we discuss the best time to cut back lavender and how to do it correctly.

When should you cut back lavender?

Lavender should be pruned in the late summer or early fall after its flowers have faded. It is important to avoid pruning lavender in the winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant, as this can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.

How to prune lavender?

When pruning lavender, it is essential to avoid cutting into old wood, as this can damage the plant and reduce its productivity. Instead, focus on cutting off the spent blossoms and the top inch or so of new growth. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and new growth during the next growing season.

Do you need to prune lavender every year?

Lavender plants benefit from annual pruning to keep them looking neat and tidy. However, if you prefer a more natural-looking garden, you can skip the annual pruning and let the plant grow freely. Just be aware that unpruned lavender can quickly become unruly and may need more significant pruning in the future to bring it back under control.

What tools do you need to prune lavender?

To prune lavender, you will need a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. It is important to use a sharp tool to avoid crushing the plant’s stems and tissues, which can lead to disease or infection.

In conclusion

In summary, the best time to cut back lavender is in the late summer or early fall after flowering has ended. When pruning, it is essential to avoid cutting into the old wood and focus on trimming off the spent blossoms and the top inch or so of new growth to encourage new growth during the next growing season. With proper pruning care, lavender can remain an attractive and fragrant addition to your garden for years to come.

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Last update 2023-12-09. Price and product availability may change.