Lavender is one of those plants that seem to never tire: fragrant, resistant, scenic. Still, she too has her little secrets to give your best. One of these? The post-summer cut, often underestimated. Those who know him know that it is not just aesthetic. This intervention can turn into a real stimulus to regeneration, with surprising results even after the warmer months.
Cutting lavender in late summer is not a gesture to improvise. It is not just about shortening some sprigs here and there. It is an operation that, if done well, can encourage the birth of new jetsmake the plant more compact and above all more productive in the following season. A bit like giving a refresh to a tired hair, preparing the ground for the rebirth. Of course, every variety of lavender has its needs, but the principle remains: intervening at the right time and with the adequate technique can make the difference. Many think that the cut must be drastic or, on the contrary, that it is better to avoid touching it too much. The truth lies in the middle and often it is precisely that right balance that ensures a richer and lasting flowering.
It is not uncommon, in fact, to see lavender bushes that, after the summer, begin to undress or lose vitality. The cause? A neglected or absent pruning. As an artist who needs new inspirations, lavender also needs stimuli. And a well -made cut can be exactly that “click” that puts everything in motion.
Ideas and tips for a truly effective cutting of lavender
The pruning of lavender after the summer is not only a question of timing, but also of precision. We start by observing the plant: does it still have dry flowers? Do branches appear woody? Are the new buds already popping up? They are all signals to be taken into consideration. Better to avoid cutting too close to the wood base, because lavender, if damaged at that point, struggles to regenerate. The goal is to maintain the dome shape and promote growth inwards. In doing so, a more thick and less exposed plant is obtained to atmospheric agents. A useful metaphor? Thinking about lavender as a bush that needs to “breathe”: by cutting the dry branches and shortening too long, an internal space is created where light and air can circulate freely.
And then there is the question of the right moment: late August and early September They are ideal. Too late would mean exposing the plant to the risk of frosts with too fresh branches, too soon it could confuse it and stimulate a new unnecessary flowering. After all, who has never postponed a cut thinking “I will do it later”? But in the case of lavender, the wait can compromise all the work of one year.
Here are some useful tricks:
- Always use well sharpened and disinfected scissors.
- Cut the flowery drums, leaving 2–3 knots of green leaves.
- Avoid too humid or rainy days.
- Collect dry flowers to perfume wardrobes or make bags.
- Check any parasites during cutting.
- Clean the base of dry leaves and broken branches.
What happens after cutting: surprises and new energies
Many are amazed to see how lavender can react vigorously to a well -made cut. In a few weeks, and also in late autumn, they already notice New sprouts ready to strengthen themselves in view of spring.
It is as if the plant, lightened, found new strength to face winter rest. Some gardeners call it “rebirth effect”, others see it as a small botanical miracle. It is actually alone The nature that responds well to the right care.
The comparison that comes spontaneously is the one with a well -shaved lawn: immediately afterwards it seems more bare, but then it resumes with an even more intense green. The same goes for lavender. After cutting, maybe it appears less luxuriant, but is simply working under track.
Those who have already experienced this technique know that the year after flowering will be richer, the most intense colors, the most enveloping perfume. And everything starts from that simple gesture, done carefully and in the right times.
Curiously, some use the post-summer cut for multiply lavender: The rametti pruned, put in water or underground, can give life to new plants. An unexpected gift that comes from what could have been thrown away.
Other tips to treat lavender even after the summer
In addition to pruning, there are other small gestures that help lavender to better overcome autumn and winter. For example, one Light organic fertilization It can strengthen it without stimulating the vegetation too much.
Attention also to the ground: it must be well drained, especially with the arrival of the rains. If the water stagnates, the roots can rot. In case of vase lavender, it is better to lift them slightly from the ground and protect them from the most intense frost.
You don’t even need to neglect the mulch, useful for keeping the temperature stable and protecting the roots. Also in this case, however, it is necessary to measure: too much humidity attracts mold and mushrooms.
Finally, a curious note: some varieties of lavender continue to emit perfume even in the autumn, especially at sunset. One more reason to enjoy the garden even when the summer now seems far away.
Ultimately, take care of lavender after the summer It is a way to invest in future beauty.
And often, a well -made cut is enough to turn on new energies that was not thought to have under the eyes.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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