Lavender plants can look woody and produce fewer flowers if they’re not pruned correctly. However, an expert has shared some top tips on how to revive lavender plants
An expert has shared her expertise on caring for lavender shrubs this autumn.
Lindsey Chastain, the founder of The Waddle and Cluck, a blog packed with gardening tips, explained: “Lavender plants can become woody and leggy over time, with less lush green foliage and fewer flowers. This is often due to inadequate pruning.
“The good news is reviving a woody lavender plant is very possible with proper care.” To breathe new life into lavender, Lindsey recommends a significant prune, saying: “Cutting about two-thirds of the plant away will stimulate fresh new growth from the base.
“Make clean cuts above any bare or dead woody stems. Next, shape and trim the remaining lavender stems and foliage to balance the plant.” Initially reluctant to prune her own lavender, Lindsey now encourages other gardeners to “just proceed with caution,” reminding them that it’s always possible to trim more later.
For those wondering when to prune lavender, October is the prime month, so it’s time to get those gardening shears out, reports the Express. Besides pruning, Lindsey emphasises that ensuring good drainage is crucial to avoid future woodiness, suggesting: “Make sure the lavender has well-draining soil. Add compost or gravel to improve drainage if needed.”
As lavender “thrives in drier conditions”, gardeners only need to water them when the soil is dry two to three inches below the surface. Lindsey also suggests feeding the lavender plant with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea a few weeks after pruning to “encourage growth”.
The expert concluded: “With proper pruning, favourable growing conditions, and regular feeding, your lavender should produce lush green foliage and an abundance of flowers once again in a few seasons.” For those who want to see the fruits of their efforts now, Lindsey advised: “Be patient… it can take time to rejuvenate an overgrown, woody lavender plant.”
Over time, with the correct pruning done (as well as other good gardening conditions) be assured the lavender plant will produce an “abundance of flowers” once more.
