In a previous blog we talked about the basics of growing and caring for lavender. A recent conversation, though, highlighted a topic that often perplexes even an experienced lavender grower – pruning lavender properly.
The other day, I was chatting with the gentleman who delivers propane to our house. During past visits, he mentioned his love for the plant and his growing collection of lavender. This time he mentioned that his lavender wasn’t looking great— that it is getting leggy and sparse. I was pretty sure what was going on, so my first question was, “Have you pruned your lavender recently?”
It turns out he wasn’t sure how to correctly prune lavender. He isn’t alone, either. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining a lavender plant that’s both beautiful and resilient. In this guide, I’ll explain the basics of pruning lavender, just like I did with my propane delivery friend, so you can enjoy lush, healthy blooms year after year.
Why Pruning Lavender is Essential (And Why You Shouldn’t Skip It)
Lavender can become scraggly and woody if left unpruned, which often leads to fewer blooms and a leggy, sparse look. Regular pruning encourages new growth, keeps plants compact, and prevents those dreaded woody stems. By pruning lavender consistently, you set your plant up for a more productive and beautiful growing season.
When to Prune Lavender
There’s some debate about the best time for pruning lavender—some growers prefer spring, while others favor fall. In my experience, the timing and technique depend on your climate and goals. Here are the best pruning times:
- Early Spring (After Last Frost): Prune lavender before budding stems start to grow. Spring pruning encourages new growth nodes, resulting in more foliage and an abundance of blooms.
- After the First Spring Bloom: If you’re harvesting lavender, give your plants a light trim after your harvest. This will encourage a second wave of blooms.
- Late Summer or Early Fall: Pruning lavender in fall can help plants stay compact for better overwintering. Make sure you prune at least six weeks before your first frost.
Important: Always be aware of your local climate when planning to prune. Always avoid pruning when there’s a risk of frost within four weeks. This gives plants time to recover and reduces the risk of frost damage to new growth..
How to prune
Before starting, gather the right tools. Sharp, clean pruning shears are essential for making precise cuts without spreading disease. At Two Bees Lavender, like many growers, we use power trimmers to save time and effort when pruning large lavender fields.
To develop a pruning regimen, choose a season for your annual “deep prune”—either spring or fall—and do your best to maintain that cadence. A solid regimen should include one deep pruning per year and at least one lighter pruning, ideally after harvesting.
- Deep Pruning: For mature lavender, aim to prune about one-third of the plant, cutting just above the woody stems and leaving some green growth. This often surprises new growers but is essential for a dense, rounded shape. Honestly, even as an experienced grower, I still question whether I am cutting too much.
- Pruning Young Lavender: Avoid deep pruning lavender in its first season, as young plants need time to establish. Use your judgment—if you notice legginess, a light trim can help promote sturdiness.
One word of caution – the 1/3 rule does not apply to young plants. I try to avoid a deep pruning for lavender plants that are less than a full season in the field. You’ll need to exercise some judgement, though. The plant I’m pruning in the video is at the end of its first season and it is showing early signs of “legginess”, so I decided to prune deeply.
With a proper pruning, mature lavender plants will be rounded and mounded. Younger plants may look less compact initially, but they’ll take shape as they mature.
Quick Steps for Pruning Lavender
Shape for Next Season: Round your lavender as you prune, helping it weather winter and promoting a tidy appearance in spring.In Summary
- Use Clean, Sharp Tools: Sterilize shears to prevent disease spread.
- Trim the Right Amount: Avoid cutting into the woody base. Prune about one-third of the green stems to maintain plant health.
- Establish a Pruning Schedule: Decide on early fall or spring for deep pruning, ensuring four weeks of frost-free weather.
- Shape for Next Season: Round your lavender as you prune, helping it weather winter and promoting a tidy appearance in spring.
Final Thoughts on Pruning Lavender
Pruning lavender may seem daunting, especially if you worry about cutting too much, but following these steps will ensure your plants are vibrant, healthy, and fragrant. Proper pruning techniques bring out the best in lavender, so you can enjoy lush blooms and a garden full of beautiful, aromatic plants year after year.
FAQ: More Tips for Lush Lavender
Will cutting my lavender back to the ground hurt it? Can I recover a leggy an misshapen lavender plant?
It depends! Lavandula angustifolia can tolerate harsher pruning, but lavandins often don’t recover from severe cuts. If your Lavandula angustifolia has become leggy and unsightly, you can try cutting it almost to the ground. In the photo below you can see new growth coming from the core of the plant after it was cut back severely.
