Gardening Tips: Pruning Lavender

Pruning Lavender

As summer draws to a close and lavender finishes flowering in early autumn, it’s the perfect time to give this fragrant plant a little care. Here’s how you can prune and maintain your lavender for continued health and beauty:

Pruning After Flowering

Once your lavender flowers have faded, it’s time to cut them back. Leave the flowers and stems on the plant as long as possible if they’re still blooming, as they provide an essential source of nectar for bees. Once you’re ready, cut back the flower stems. After pruning, give your lavender a feed with Growmore fertiliser and a dose of liquid tomato food to replenish its nutrients.

Spring Pruning

In the spring, around March or April, you can cut your lavender back a bit further. Be cautious not to cut into the brown, woody parts of the plant, and ensure you leave some greenery on the ends of the stems. This will help the plant retain its ability to grow and thrive.

Feeding for Growth

From March to the end of September, it’s a good idea to feed your lavender with a high-nitrogen fertiliser, such as Miracle-Gro, which contains around 27% nitrogen. This helps encourage the growth of new shoots to regenerate the plant and it makes it easier to prune and shape the plant, especially if it’s becoming bushy or out of control.

Soil Tips for New Lavender Plants

If you’re planting new lavender, consider adding grit sand into the soil to help with drainage, along with some organic matter like spent mushroom compost. The GardenAdvice Team has found that this type of well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, combined with high-nitrogen feeds, supports strong growth and makes it easier to maintain healthy lavender plants.

By following these simple tips, your lavender will stay lush and vibrant throughout the seasons!

Images from Depositphotos

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