Lavender is a fragrant and gorgeous flowering plant that can add charm and beauty to any garden or landscape. It is one of the most popular ornamental plants due to its vibrant color, stunning fragrance, and soothing properties. However, to maintain the beauty and healthy growth of lavender, gardeners must know how and when to prune it. The question that often arises is, when should lavender be cut back? In this comprehensive article, we’ll answer all your queries regarding when lavender blooms should be cut back.
Understanding Lavender Plant Basics
Lavender is a perennial flowering plant, and it tends to bloom in different seasons depending on its species, region, climatic conditions, and surrounding environment. While some species of lavender bloom in early summer, some bloom in late spring or early fall. In general, lavender blooms in the summer, often from June to August.
When to Cut Back Lavender After Bloom?
Generally, you should cut back lavender immediately after it blooms. But if you’re not sure how to go about pruning it or if you’ve recently planted it, you can wait till the end of summer or early fall to cut it back.
Once lavender has exceeded its bloom time, prune it as soon as possible. Leaving lavender unpruned for too long can lead to poor growth and eventual decline.
Cutting Back Lavender Too Late?
When the flowering is over, and you haven’t cut back lavender, it doesn’t mean that you should just leave it there all winter. The best thing to do is to leave it as it is in the fall, and then wait until spring to cut it back. However, it is essential to maintain its foliage throughout winter by pruning any dead or damaged leaves. Once the weather begins to warm up and the lavender starts to show new growth, you can cut it back.
How to Cut Back Lavender in Fall?
If you want to cut back lavender after it blooms, you should consider the following tips:
- Use a sharp and clean pair of garden shears or secateurs.
- Remove approximately one-third of the plant’s height. Never cut into old wood, and always leave some new, green growth.
- Prune the sides of the shrub to maintain a full, round shape.
- Remove any dead or damaged foliage or flowers.
- It’s important to ensure the cut is precise and clean.
- When you’re done, water the lavender plant well, and add a layer of compost around its base to help promote new growth and protect it from winter damage.
When to Avoid Pruning Lavender?
While pruning lavender is essential, there are some instances when you shouldn’t prune it. For example, avoid pruning it in late fall, as it can stimulate organic matter and cause overgrowth. Don’t prune it during winter, when it is dormant or when it starts to bloom in spring, as this may reduce the plant’s overall growth potential.
In conclusion, pruning lavender is crucial to promote healthy growth and maintain the plant’s beauty. Knowing when to cut back lavender after blooming is essential to ensure the plant thrives throughout the year. So, if you wish to enjoy your lavender plant’s gorgeous blooms and enjoy its therapeutic properties, prune it at the right time and in-line with the right techniques. Happy pruning!
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Last update 2023-05-30. Price and product availability may change.