How to Prune Your Lavender Plants

The Lavender plant is quite unlike any other plant. The unique smell and the fantastic colors give your garden a different kind of beauty. Although it is low maintenance, pruning the Lavender plant will require technical knowledge.

There are different species of lavender plants, and each has unique pruning methods. And as the lavender plant matures, it gets more difficult to prune. It is a sun-loving plant and can bloom under direct sunlight.

Do not be discouraged; you can nurture and maintain this plant following this easy guide.

When To Prune Lavender Plants

Prune Lavender

One thing you should know about this plant is that it grows fast, and the flower will bloom. You can have your garden flourishing with the lavender plant in no time. Also, please take note of the different species of Lavender plants and that they have different features.

However, the best time to prune any Lavender plant is after the first flowering. And since the plant can flourish under varying conditions, you can get away with pruning during the spring or mid-spring. If you want to delay flowering, then prune during the spring.

More importantly, avoid cutting the wooden part of the plant, which will damage the plant.

Why You Should Prune Your Lavender Plant

You cannot escape pruning the Lavender plant to keep it healthy and tidy. If ever you are wondering why you should prune the plant, check out the advantages below:

  • Pruning young Lavender plants will promote bushy growth. Expect more flowers when you pinch off the tips of new plants, encouraging branches to develop from those points. Early pruning will prevent woody growth, a case where the Lavender plant develops long woody stems.
  • With pruning, you can reshape and reform your Lavender plant. To achieve this, you will have to plant deep to at least a third, and it is best to do this after the flowering.
  • You can rejuvenate old and woody lavender plants by pruning. But only cut as close to the wood as possible; you will destroy the plant. Just prune above the wood, probably to the third node. You may have flowers pop out of these nodes if you are lucky. But you will revive the old Lavender plant with this process.

Guidelines on How To Prune Different Varieties of Lavender Plant

There are various lavender plants, each having different characteristics. And due to these differences, you cannot prune these varieties of lavender plants the same way.

How to Prune the English Lavendar Plants (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavandula angustifolia

The English lavender plant is the most common specie of the plant, with its silvery foliage and unforgettable fragrance.

  • You should prune the English lavender plant immediately after the first flowering and after it completely fades (late April).
  • Cut off about 2/3 of the stem or leave two leaves just above the ground.
  • Be careful not to touch the woody part with your trim. Spare the woody part, or you will damage the plant.
  • You should prune the first time lightly during the summer. The second will require full pruning and should be done in late August, ensuring the plant bloom during the spring.
  • Prune the English lavender twice a year to keep it flourishing.

How to Prune the English Hybrid Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia)

Lavandula x intermedia

The English hybrid lavender has much longer branches and stems than the English lavender plant. Even the flower spikes are much longer, thus a different approach to pruning the hybrid lavender.

  • It would be best if you pruned this variety of lavender plants in late August.
  • The English hybrid plant cannot withstand adverse conditions, so be careful not to cut to the woody part of the plant.
  • In this case, cut half the plant’s size and leave as many leaves as you want.
  • As you prune, cut the plant to a rounded and mound shape, and your plant will look spectacular in the winter.

How to Prune the Spanish or French Lavender

French Lavender

The Spanishlavendar, also known as the French Lavender, is the least hardy of the varieties of lavender. It is easily distinguished from the other lavender because of its short flower spike.

Follow the guide below when pruning the Spanish lavender:

  • You have to be extremely careful with this specie, for it is the least hardy of them all. Any extra force will cause damage to the plant.
  • Start trimming after the first flush of flowers has faded.
  • Cut them back gently, for they break easily.
  • After the first pruning, focus on deadheading for the rest of the season.

Frequently Asked Question

Does the lavender plant grow in direct sunlight?

The lavender plant is sun-loving and will blossom when placed under direct sunlight.

How long does it take the lavender plant to reach full maturity?

It will take 3-4 years for the lavender plant to mature with the proper care, such as pruning in place.

Can pruning rejuvenate a lavender plant?

Yes, you can rejuvenate a woody lavender plant with proper pruning, and if you avoid cutting the wood. You will kill off the plant, for it may not bring flowers when the woody stem has been damaged.

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