Lavender plants are a popular choice for British gardens, but they do require some light care throughout the year to keep them looking their best, including a prune in February
Lavender plants are a stunning addition to any garden, offering vibrant colour and a potent scent that also acts as a pest deterrent.
These easy-to-grow shrubs are a favourite in British gardens as they thrive in full sun and are drought-resistant. While they are robust, they do need some light care throughout the year to keep them looking their best.
Over time, lavender plants can become leggy, woody and unattractive, which is why it’s crucial to trim them. Most experts recommend pruning lavender plants in late summer after they finish blooming to remove spent flowers and old leaf growth.
However, one expert has also suggested the plant can be trimmed in late February or early March. An expert from Ashridge Nurseries stated on their blog that lavenders can receive a “light trim” in late February or early March, ideally completed by early March.
The experts added: “This is the trim that tidies up your plants for summer and encourages lots of flowers.” However, it’s vital gardeners do not cut into woody stems as it’s challenging for lavenders to produce new growth from old stems, reports the Express.
When pruning at this time of year, ensure the plant is either still in winter dormancy or when there is some green growth. During its summer prune, gardeners can cut back the plant more aggressively-around two-thirds of its height.
When pruning any plant, including lavender, sharp, clean cutting tools are important to minimise the risk of disease and ensure a clean cut.
Make sure to cut at a downward slant, allowing rainwater to run off and prevent infection or disease. Lavenders in pots tend to grow more abundantly, so they might require more frequent trimming.
