▷ When Is The Last Time To Cut Back Lavender?

Lavender is a fragrant and beautiful plant, widely known for its purple aromatic flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but it can grow in various types of soil and is robust enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. Lavender is a vigorous grower and requires pruning or cutting back to keep it healthy and looking its best. However, the question that many gardeners ask is, when is the last time to cut back lavender?

Lavender is a perennial plant that requires regular pruning to keep it from being woody and straggly. Pruning should be done every year, and it is best carried out as part of an ongoing maintenance program. You can prune lavender at any time of the year, but it is advisable to prune the plant twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

Pruning for Healthier Lavender

Lavender must be pruned to preserve its health, productivity, and appearance. Pruning is essential to:

Remove old foliage and deadwood
Reduce the risk of disease and pests
Encourage new growth
Help the plant to maintain its shape and beauty
Keep the plant neat and tidy

When to Cut Back Lavender?

Lavender blooms in mid-summer, and the flowers continue to grow until the first frost. Therefore, pruning should be done after flowering, but it is best to prune the plant before the cold winter months. Pruning in the fall when the plant is preparing to go dormant helps to prevent winter damage.

Spring Pruning:

Prune lavender in early spring before new growth appears. Cut back the stems to about half their height, taking care not to cut into the woody part of the plant.

Fall Pruning:

In the fall, prune back all the stems to around 2 inches above the woody part of the plant, taking care not to cut into the old wood. Fall pruning will help prevent disease and pests, which can colonize during the winter.

When Not to Cut Back Lavender?

Avoid pruning late in autumn, as this can stimulate new growth that won’t have enough time to harden off before winter, making it vulnerable to cold and frost.

Conclusion

Lavender pruning is essential to maintain the plant’s shape, health, and beauty. It is best to prune the plant twice a year, once in the spring after flowering, and again in the fall before the cold sets in. Pruning will help to keep the plant healthy, promote new growth, prevent diseases and pests, and ensure that it remains productive and looking its best in the years to come.

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Last update 2023-09-22. Price and product availability may change.

When Is The Last Time To Cut Back Lavender?