Gardeners' World: Monty Don advises on pruning lavender
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There are a plethora of lavender varieties included English, French and Spanish lavenders that will all require slightly different care. French and Spanish lavenders, for example, are less hardy so need to be carefully pruned.
A lavender that’s pruned correctly can last for years, bringing colour, scent and wildlife to gardens, window boxes and homes.
Gardening expert Sarah Raven claims annual pruning can “improve flowering” and prevent lavender plants from becoming “woody”.
The best time to prune lavender is immediately after it has finished flowering, according to Sarah. She added: “Remove shoots to within one inch (2cm) of previous year’s growth.”
But what if you haven’t pruned your lavender yet? Fans of lifestyle and cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared their advice for pruning lavender in October.
The cleaning and lifestyle influencer has more than 4.5 million followers on Instagram and often shares her garden and home tips online.
Fans of hers have taken to social media in recent years to share their own hacks for solving common household problems.
On one such group, gardener Jean Algeo asked Mrs Hinch fans: “Hi, can I ask for advice on pruning back a lovely lavender plant please.
“It has grown over the driveway and on to the path. How far back should it be pruned and is it okay to do it now? Thanks for your help.” Jean posted the question on Facebook in early October last year.
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The post was inundated with responses from fellow gardeners who advised her to “cut back now”.
Dawn Eveasham said: “Cut back now to just above where it has gone woody, any new shoots I cut can be put in a glass of water to root for next year.”
Alison Plastow replied: “Cut back now. Once flowered. They don’t last forever. But keeping them trimmed they can last longer.”
Kate Noble commented: “I cut mine back to the main plant, to all the flower stalks.”
Louise Cracknell suggested: “Don’t go into the woody stalks and it will come back great.”
Doreen Byrne agreed and wrote: “Cut some back and put in vase in bathroom.”
Lisa Heathcote said: “Yes do it now. Cut all the flower stalks off and half of the green leaves. Try not to go into the brown dead-looking stuff.”
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Elaine Seeley agreed with the other gardeners and wrote: “Cut it right back!”
There are actually two times of year lavender should be pruned: in autumn after the plant has flowered and in spring.
Gardening expert Leigh Clapp suggested tackling the popular plant in two stages. They said: “Trim after flowering in fall [autumn], then prune in the spring.”
It’s important gardeners don’t prune lavender too hard after the summer as the plant may struggle to survive cooler temperatures.
For those who didn’t cut back their lavender in the summer months, it’s best to wait until spring, especially for less hardy varieties like French, Spanish and Italian lavenders.
When pruning in spring, ensure lavenders are only pruned once new growth has appeared.
Cutting lavender in the correct place will ensure the plant continues to grow healthily and thrive.
Cut the plant just above side branches or lead nodes. The plant should be green where it’s being cut. Cutting into the woody part of the plant is not always advised.
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