Lavender is one of the plants with a more intense aroma. It grows quickly, has no high requirements and blooms for a long time. In addition Dried bouquets are a great decoration all year round. It is therefore not surprising that it is very popular. Thanks to annual pruning, you can enjoy beautiful bushes for many years.
Lavender should be pruned twice a year — choosing an inappropriate date may result in the plant weakening, leading to poorer flowering next year, reduced growth, increased risk of disease, and in some cases even complete wilting. Lavender should be pruned:
- In summer — preferably on vacation, until mid-September at the latest.
- Spring — late March to mid-April.
Summer pruning (especially in September) is associated with a greater risk of exposing the lavender to damage or frost due to changeable weather and upcoming frosts. In autumn, only faded inflorescences should be removedit is better not to make more severe cuts, as it may weaken the plant before the coming winter.
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When pruning lavender, it is best to do it on a sunny, rainless day so as not to expose the plant to fungal diseases. When it comes to tools, a small pruner will work best, but if you have larger bushes, hedge trimmers may also work. Pruning will give the lavender a chance to grow better and keep its good shape (it will not grow too much, focusing on the shoots, not the flowers).
In spring, dry and frozen stems should be removed. It is best to shape the bush into a ball, which will ensure better air flow. To stimulate plant growth, healthy shoots should be shortened by approximately 1/3 of their length. It is better to cut them slightly higher than lower – if the shoots are too short, it may inhibit the growth of lavender.
In summer and early autumn, it is better to focus on pruning spent flowers and leafless stems. This will stimulate the lavender to bloom again, helping it to thicken properly – this will prevent the plant from wasting energy unnecessarily.
