When To Cut Lavender Back Uk?

Lavender is a gorgeous, fragrant herb that grows abundantly in gardens throughout the UK. It is popular for its rejuvenating appearance and its sweet and floral aroma. However, pruning and trimming lavender back can be a little confusing for gardeners. How far should one cut back the lavender? How often should one prune it? These are some of the questions we get asked frequently. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss when to cut lavender back in the UK and the best way to do it.

When should you cut back lavender in the UK?

Lavenders should be pruned once a year, preferably in late summer/early autumn after they have finished flowering. Waiting too long could jeopardize the next year’s flowering cycle. But why after flowering? Because pruning lavender this way is thought to encourage new growth in the current year, which is perfect for rejuvenating your plant before the winter chill arrives.

Why is trimming lavender important?

Trimming lavender is crucial for a healthy and vigorous bush. Lavender, left to its own devices, can grow to become woody, weak at the base, with too much dieback or bald-looking. Regular clipping will help keep your plant bushy and shapely, improving airflow and sunlight, which the plant needs to prosper.

How should you cut back lavender?

When it comes to pruning lavender, it’s easy to go overboard, so approach it with care. Begin by cutting the plant back to approximately two-thirds of their height, taking off any old and woody stems. Using good quality, sharp secateurs will ensure better results, as they make clean cuts that heal quickly. The cut back lavender may look a little bare at first, but it will soon recover and produce thicker, healthier growth.

What are the benefits of cutting back lavender?

Trimming your lavender plants back regularly comes with a host of benefits, including:

Encourages healthy growth
Prevents the plants from becoming woody and developing dead patches
Promotes better airflow and sunlight penetration
Enhances the bush’s appearance

Conclusion

Now you understand when to cut lavender back in the UK, and how best to do it to ensure healthy rejuvenation and bringing about robust growth for the next season. Regular trimming or pruning your lavender plants will keep your bushes shapely, and more productive year on year. With proper pruning, lavender will thrive and reward you with a beautiful, colourful and sweet-smelling bush that lasts for many seasons to come.

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Last update 2023-03-26. Price and product availability may change.