The secret to making lavender flourish before autumn is less complicated than it seems: with a couple of targeted precautions, the plant returns to give color and perfume even when summer is now running out.
Lavender, with that unmistakable purple and the perfume that evokes childhood memories or days in the countryside, is a faithful companion of gardens and balconies. It is not just a beautiful plant to look at: its flowers are easily transformed into small domestic allies, from sachets for drawers to natural remedies. What surprises many is that, with the right care, it can blossom again before the autumn season arrives. There is nothing miraculous, rather a mix of intelligent pruning, some more attention and respect for its rhythms.
The idea of seeing a lavender bush flourish just when the leaves of the trees start to change color has something poetic. Instead of waiting for next spring, it is worth trying: a few simple gestures are enough, and satisfaction is guaranteed.
How to stimulate a new flowering of lavender before autumn
The heart of the secret lies in the summer pruning. After the first flowering, the dry flowers should not be left on the plant: they would remain to consume precious energies that could instead feed new buds. Cut the stems touched just above the first green leaves is the right way: no drastic cuts, otherwise you risk weakening it. Curiously, lavender responds well to this “invitation”, as if it needed only a push to start again. Miti temperatures and some watering in the hottest days do the rest, giving a second explosion of color.
A often neglected detail is the ground: it must be light and well drained. A little trick? Spread some gravel at the base to avoid stagnation that would suffocate the roots. And then, don’t forget that lavender is the daughter of the sun: without a lot of direct light, it will hardly flourish with the same energy.
The right attention to an always vigorous plant
Powers is not enough: the plant needs small gestures that, put together, make the difference. It is like when a friend who needs encouragement is pampered: nothing excessive, only the right presence at the right time. After all, lavender is not a demanding plant, but if you feel a little spoiled, it generously returns its intense perfume. Seeing her return to flourish when it was no longer believed to be an emotion that changes the atmosphere of the garden. Any useful advice?
- Light watering: he stands the drought, but a sip of water in the hottest days gives them new lymph.
- Natural fertilizer: a touch of potassium and little nitrogen stimulates the flowers without “gaining weight” the leaves too much.
- Shelter from the wind: if it is in pots, better to move it to a protected corner so as not to stress the younger branches.
Many think that lavender knows how to get away with it. And in part it is true, but giving her some extra attention in summer can make a difference. When he trimmed, just as the other plants begin to slow down, he almost seems to receive an unexpected gift.
The reasons why it is worth stimulating lavender to flourish before the autumn season
Perhaps one wonders: does it really make sense to engage for a second flowering at the end of the summer? The answer is more than positive. Meanwhile, because the garden remains fragrant and coloring longer, just when the days begin to short. And then, more flowers also mean more collected: stems to dry, scented garlands, sachets to be inserted in the drawers.
But it is not just an aesthetic or practical question. A lavender used to flourishing twice a year becomes more robust, compact, less inclined to become woody too quickly. It is as if this “natural gym” gave her more energy to face the future seasons.
After all, lavender recalls that beauty can surprise even when it seems over. A small encouragement is enough and nature always knows how to amaze. So why not give it this possibility?
A second flowering, right on the threshold of the autumn season, is a gift that smells of magic and that transforms the simplest garden into a special refuge.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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