Lavender is a relatively straightforward plant to care for, and not only is it a pretty addition to a garden, but it can also protect plants from pests.
Known to deter slugs and snails with its scent, it’s also a crucial pollinator for bees, making it a vital part of a garden’s ecosystem.
A hardy plant that doesn’t require much watering once established, when properly cared for, lavender can live for up to 15 years in a garden.
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With its charming purple blossoms set to emerge next month, knowing how to take care of lavender is essential for getting growth year on year.
Adding organic material to the soil can promote lush growth, and ensuring it’s a spot with plenty of sunlight is essential. However, as lavender ages, it tends to appear woody, with new growth becoming less frequent as a result.
Completing one simple task in May can quickly rejuvenate lavender’s appearance, ensuring flowers flourish in time for summer.
It’s not just those with older plants that should complete this task; even younger bushes need tending to if you want to see them continue to bloom.
Gardening gurus Jim and Mary Competti from This Is My Garden have divulged some advice on how to prune lavender this spring to keep plants “healthy and strong” and “full of blooms”.
Spring is the perfect season to dust off your garden shears, and although the idea of cutting lavender back just as it’s about to bloom might seem daunting, pruning lavender plants during this period can stimulate more blossoms.
Pruning lavender in May is essential for achieving vibrant blooms in time for summer -Credit:undefined via Getty Images
While pruning is a crucial aspect of flower care, trimming lavender back at the wrong spot can do more harm than good.
If you’re uncertain whether your plant is ready, look for tiny green sprouts appearing at the base of the plant, as this is a “sign that it’s waking up and ready for some attention”.
These green shoots on the lower sections of the plant indicate that it’s safe to start pruning. While the “general rule is to cut back about one-third of the plant”, this might be different based on the size of your lavender plant and how woody and leggy it has become.
Be sure not to cut down to the woody part where there are no green shoots, and instead trim above new green growth. It’s also crucial to maintain the plant’s rounded shape as you prune, as this “helps the plant grow evenly”.
The experts recommend leaving some green growth on each stem, and if you’re unsure about how much to trim, “it’s okay to be a little more cautious and take off less”.
While trimming lavender plants may seem intimidating, it’s essential for preserving healthy blooms, and delaying the task could increase the risk of snipping off healthy buds just as they’re about to bloom.
It’s essential to prune lavender come springtime, but there’s “one big no-no”, and that’s cutting back plants that have only been in the ground for a single season. Instead, leave young plants to grow and establish their roots for a year before giving them a trim.