Mediterranean blossom magic and shapely growth are guaranteed if you prune your lavender every year. This tutorial explains in detail when and how to properly cut the floral icon from the Mediterranean.

After flowering, the lavender should be cleaned well

Table of Contents

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  1. Mediterranean shrub
  2. Types of cuts and dates
  3. plant cutting
  4. maintenance cut
  5. care cut
  6. taper cut
  7. topiary
  8. tools and accessories
  9. frequently asked Questions

    10. Mediterranean shrub - quick botanical excursion

    Hobby gardeners can better understand the plea for annual pruning if they are familiar with the special growth of lavender. We invite you to a quick botanical excursion that will simplify later decisions about the right cut.

    The floral ambassador from the Mediterranean thrives as evergreen shrub. This places lavender in a league with popular Mediterranean beauties such as sage and bearded beard. Progressive lignification from the base is characteristic of the growth. Woody branches find it difficult to put on a lush dress of flowers and leaves. A massively woody lavender plant will eventually fall apart and age prematurely.

    Cut care on lavender aims primarily at growth of herbaceous shoots to support financially and a progressive one lignification to stop. There is no reason to worry if herbaceous parts freeze back in winter. Lavender carries its fragrant flowers on this year's shoots. A vigorous cut in the spring clears the way for a new shoot with numerous flower buds and leaves in the summertime.

    Types of cuts and dates

    North of the Alps, lavender does not form a stable, perennial framework. Shapely, compact and flowering growth depends on the Mediterranean subshrub not becoming lignified and senescent. Pruning starts on the day of planting and continues continuously with two annual pruning appointments. Rejuvenating an old, neglected lavender bush is tricky, but not impossible. The following table summarizes useful cut types and dates for a lavender in top form:

    cut type goal/occasion best appointment
    plant cutting strong branching, shapely growth in spring after planting
    maintenance cut Stop lignification, preserve shape late February/early March
    care cut Clean out withered flower spikes shortly before the end of the flowering period (mid/end of July)
    taper cut revitalize stale lavender late February/early March
    topiary Form a ball of lavender late February/early March

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    Habitat protection also applies to subshrubs

    Responsible lavender gardeners ignore recommended dates for spring and summer when the pruning is deep. Native bird species such as warblers, yellowhammers, nightingales and robins prefer to build their nests close to the ground. The feathered garden dwellers do not disdain dense lavender as a breeding ground. Cuts back would have fatal consequences for the already threatened birds. Paragraph 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act emphasizes the urgency of protective measures with a Grace period from March 1st to September 30th. Care cuts are permitted in exceptional cases, such as cleaning out faded flowers.

    Cut lavender on the day of planting

    The best time to sow and plant lavender is in spring. When the ground has thawed in March or April, you can sow the seeds in a sunny spot. Place plants you have bought or grown on the windowsill in the bed at the beginning/middle of May when late frosts are no longer to be feared. In the last step, lavender plants receive their first cut. This is how the perfect pruning succeeds:

    • Cut back all shoots by a third or half
    • Prune visibly weak young plants vigorously
    • Prune vigorous young plants a little

    Cut the outer shoots a little shorter to create a harmonious, hemispherical shape. If it is a lavender that is capable of flowering, it is pruned after the flowering period. Cut off withered flower panicles at the beginning of August at the latest. Shorten the non-flowering shoots below by 2 to 3 centimetres.

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    Postpone pruning for autumn planting

    Far away from its southern European home regions, lavender is sensitive to frost. This applies primarily to its herbaceous plant parts. If you have decided on an autumn planting date in the garden bed, please postpone the planting until the following spring. A pruning just before winter increases the risk of massive frostbite through to total failure. This does not apply if young lavender can spend the cold season in frost-free winter quarters.

    Prune vigorously in spring

    As the brief excursion into the botanical properties teaches us, lavender blooms on this year's shoots. Just before growth begins is the best time to pave the way for fresh shoots to come out. Pruning lavender in beds and tubs in mid to late February:

    • Cut back shoots by a third to two thirds
    • Caution: do not cut into old, bare wood
    • Thin out completely bare, dead shoots at the base

    As illustrated below, a spring pruning of lavender is limited to the leafy area. The reason for this important premise is that the Mediterranean subshrub from old wood does not sprout or very hesitantly.

    Pruning care effectively stops progressive lignification when you plant your lavender from the second year every spring Shorten 10 to 15 centimeters.

    Shortly before budding begins, cut back all shoots by up to two-thirds. Be sure to limit the cut to the leafy area.

    tips

    Lavender clippings are far too good for the compost heap. Use the shredded shoots as mulch in the garden bed. As bedding in the cage or stable, the fragrant cuttings repel vermin. If dried bunches of lavender lie in the house, ants will give your home a wide berth. Throw heavily woody shoots into the campfire to enjoy the aromatic scent.

    Trim lavender in summer

    As the summer blossom festival draws to a close, lavender gets a pruning. Withered flower spikes should now be removed so that all growth energy goes into a second shoot that protects the plant in winter. How to properly clean lavender in July:

    • The best time is during flowering
    • Cut off withered shoot tips above the first opposite pair of leaves
    • Loosely tie potted lavender together to cut off the top third

    The illustration below shows that summer pruning is limited to faded shoot tips. If you are pruning a lavender hedge or a whole group of expansive plants, you can do the work with hedge trimmers to save energy and time. (€77.00)

    When lavender has finished its summer bloom festival, cut off any faded flower spikes. It is easier to use hedge trimmers by cutting back the entire subshrub by a third.

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    Harvest lavender flowers half open

    Lavender blossoms unfold their full potential shortly before they are in full bloom. Do you grow the plant to use its flowers for hot and cold dishes or to make tea? Then the harvest should take place in the half to three quarters open stage. At this time, essential oils and healing ingredients are at their maximum level. Lavender in full bloom is a picturesque feast for the eyes, but has already passed its prime as a scented and medicinal plant.

    Taper cut requires a sense of proportion

    When gardeners skip the annual pruning of lavender, the Mediterranean beauty turns into a senile, bare thicket. Young shoots are just as rare as fragrant labial flowers and lanceolate leaves. That's no reason to bother with a strenuous clearing of the deep rooter. Awaken the floral spirit of life through a step-by-step rejuvenation. A good external dimension is important for a successful process, because you should not get stale lavender in old wood. How to do it right:

    First stage

    In February, cut back all green-leafed shoots by half, as shown in the figure below. Blend green, broom-like heads in the same way. Only cut off bare, dead shoots that are visibly dead from the base to the tip. A generous portion of compost with horn shavings (€32.93) will give growth a boost.

    Second stage

    A combination of pruning, ideal weather conditions and a little luck allows new shoots to sprout on bare branches. Give the growth free rein during the summer. The second stage is scheduled for February of the following year. How to do it:

    • Aged, woody branches lead to a young side shoot in the lower area
    • Position pruning shears or saw at the fork of old and new wood

    Ideally, cut a small piece into the old wood so as not to injure the young hopeful. Remaining cones dry up in the following months and can be removed. A supplementary supply of nutrients in the form of leaf compost, horn shavings or liquid fertilizer supports further growth.

    Cut back an old lavender so that a few leaves remain on the shoot. With a bit of luck, the accumulation of sap will cause dead areas to sprout again. Next spring, transfer these shoots to a young side shoot.

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    Makeover cut - wake-up call for sleeping eyes

    A well-planned rejuvenation cut undermines the floral doctrine that lavender no longer sprout from old wood. Is limited to the first cut stage green area, a prominent accumulation of juice occurs below the interface. This process optimizes the chances that dormant eyes in the old wood will come to life and sprout. In gardeners' language, the sleeping eye refers to buds that are in a state of dormancy.

    Form lavender balls

    The pronounced tolerance of lavender to cutting allows a topiary, comparable to boxwood or thuja. As a decorative bed border or flower-rich enclosure, lavender shines as bright blue balls. The creative stroke of genius succeeds through a strong pruning. How to cut lavender into spherical shapes:

    • The best time is in February when the weather is frost-free
    • From the second year, cut back all shoots to 2 to 3 cm short cones
    • Leave shoots a little longer inside than outside
    • Important: at least 2 to 4 sheets must remain

    The shorter you cut a lavender ball in spring, the more compact and clearly defined you can work out the round shape. Of course, this is at the expense of the summer blooms. If you favor the golden mean, shorten the shoots more moderately. The ball is less prominent. In return, lavender puts on a blue flower dress.

    Cut Tool - Quality is king

    With the right tool, you can cut lavender with flying colors. The subshrubs tend to become lignified, which can make pruning on adult plants a feat of strength. If a scissor blade lacks sharpness, frayed cuts are inevitable, which calls pathogens onto the scene. We looked over the shoulders of lavender experts to find the ideal tool for the perfect cut for you:

    • Single lavender: Okatsune one-hand pruning shears, optionally for small, normal or large hands
    • Lavender hedge: Okatsune two-handed hedge trimmer with shock-absorbing handles
    • Alternatively: rose scissors with stainless steel blades from Felco or Fiskars

    Secateurs (€17.82) from the Japanese manufacturer Okatsune are designed as bypass shears with carbon steel blades. This is a robust, stable material that can be ground precisely and very sharply. Hedge trimmers made by Japanese master blacksmiths are available in a variety of designs with blades and handles of different lengths.

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    frequently asked Questions

    Should freshly planted lavender be cut or not?

    Young plants grown in pots usually do not require pruning. If it is a bare-root product, we recommend a light pruning. Cut back all shoots by a third or half. If you plant lavender in autumn, please postpone pruning until early spring, when the main frost period is over.

    How can I permanently stop lavender from balding?

    In general, lavender should be pruned back deeply every spring once the frost period is over. This measure largely counteracts bareness. This applies under the premise that the plant is subjected to this pruning care from the start. A cut in the old wood can lead to a total failure. In the course of the summer, withered flowering shoots are regularly cleaned, which also prevents premature wilting of lavender.

    How tall does lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) grow?

    Uncut, real lavender reaches a height of 60 to 70 centimeters. This applies to ideal framework conditions in full sun, sandy-dry and well-drained location. So that the semi-flowering shrub grows compactly and does not become old, you should cut it back sharply every spring to just above the woody area.

    Is lavender suitable as a low hedge plant? Which variety do you recommend? When and how often should I trim a lavender hedge?

    The lavender variety "Siesta" grows more compact and is ideal as a hedge plant. The subshrubs are cut twice a year. Clean lavender immediately after flowering by cutting off all dead flowers at the end of July/beginning of August. Carry out the central shape and maintenance cut in early spring, just before growth begins.

    Is lavender poisonous?

    Lavender is non-toxic. The plant is rich in essential oils and other valuable ingredients that make it a proven medicinal, fragrant and enjoyable plant. Lavender is used in many ways as a base for perfume, washing powder, oils and essences. The flowers are very popular in beekeeping because they are rich in nectar. As a component of natural medicines, lavender relieves insomnia and restlessness. A colorful array of advantageous attributes makes the Mediterranean plant the ideal candidate to beautify the family garden.

    Because of a construction project I have to replant my lavender. When and how does that work?

    The best time for a change of location is in April and May, after the end of the frost period. For frost-sensitive lavender, the classic autumn date is associated with the risk that it will not root in time before the first frost. The more root volume the plant can take with it, the more promising the procedure will be. Then cut back all shoots by a third so that the plant invests its energy in vigorous root growth. Water plentifully and regularly, because a good water supply is the be-all and end-all after transplanting.

    My lavender is a year old and still blooming now in November. Should I cut off the withered stems now or wait until spring?

    There is nothing wrong with cutting off the withered flower spikes in November. As long as the foliage stays on the lavender, you can't go wrong. Please only carry out the main cut in February by cutting back all shoots by a third or half. It is important to note with all cutting measures on lavender that you do not cut into the old wood.

    The 3 most common cutting mistakes

    Care for the cut spoils the joy of lavender just as much as a cut that is too deep or too late. To save you from typical mistakes when pruning lavender bushes, please take a look at the following table. Hobby gardeners should be familiar with the three most common pruning errors with damage and tips for prevention:

    cutting error damage picture prevention
    never cut premature senescence Cut back vigorously every spring
    cut into the old wood miserable growth to total failure always cut in the herbaceous area
    too late cutting date Frost damage, failure of the flowering period Cut in March, trim in July

    tips

    Dried lavender blossoms in a scented sachet exude Mediterranean flair in the linen cupboard. Place the flowers in a shady, well-ventilated place to dry. In summer temperatures, the process takes no more than two to three days. If the petals rustle slightly when touched, they are completely dry.

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Herbs