Pruning Lavender
Q: How and when should I trim back my lavender?
A: Lavender is one of those plants that benefits from a little haircut—but not a buzz cut!
The best time to do the major trimming is after it has finished blooming, usually in late summer or early fall. In Colorado, that can mean late August through October. Start by removing the spent flower stems. Then lightly shape the plant, removing roughly one-third of the green growth while leaving plenty of healthy foliage behind.
The important thing is not to cut lavender back into the old, bare, woody stems even in the fall. Leave the foliage and stems intact to provide some winter protection. A slightly shaggy lavender going into winter is perfectly fine. Lavender doesn't reliably produce new growth from those old woody sections. If your plant has become large and woody, don't try to rejuvenate it with one drastic pruning. You could end up with a dead-looking plant that never recovers.
Spring is another good time for some cleanup. Once you see new growth beginning, remove dead or winter-damaged stems and lightly shape the plant. Again, avoid cutting deeply into the old woody portion.
The biggest mistake gardeners make is waiting until lavender becomes huge and woody and then trying to correct the problem with a pair of hedge shears. Lavender responds best to regular, modest pruning that keeps it compact and prevents that big, floppy, woody appearance.
Read our Q & As with Keith Funk answering common Colorado gardening questions here. See his website: gardenwiseguy.com and hear him on the Garden Wise Radio Show.
