Cutting the lavender heather is not compulsory. But if you neglect it, you have to reckon with many disadvantages. Among other things, the flowering is more sparse, the plant tends to wither over time and becomes more susceptible to fungal diseases. However, do not be too hasty and overconfident!

A slight pruning promotes the growth of the lavender heather

Cut regularly but little

The lavender heather shows a leisurely pace of growth. It grows very slowly compared to other plants. This can be advantageous, but also disadvantageous. A consequence of the slow growth is that it should not be pruned too radically. Otherwise, she looks miserable for a long time. Pruning should be done regularly but lightly.

Quickly remove diseased and pest-infested parts

In the event of a disease or pest infestation (e.g. by the Andromeda net bug), the affected parts should be cut off immediately so that further spread is prevented. In the case of the Andromeda net bug, the cut must even be made by the end of April at the latest so that the larvae cannot hatch from the laid eggs and infest other parts of the plant.

When are healthy lavender heathers pruned?

Healthy plants are pruned immediately after flowering (usually in early summer). This pruning is important and should not wait until autumn or spring. If you only cut in autumn or spring, you will remove the flower buds for the coming flowering season, which will develop in autumn. The result of the pruning: strong budding and denser growth.

A good side effect: gain cuttings

Propagation can be accompanied by cutting:

  • Period: June to July
  • Cut off a 10 cm long shoot at an angle (below a knot)
  • remove lower leaves
  • leave upper leaves
  • Prepare a pot with potting soil
  • Put the cuttings in the ground
  • When the first new leaves have formed, repot or plant out

A hedge plant that tolerates pruning well

Overall, the shadow bell is well tolerated by pruning. That, their slow growth, their evergreen foliage, their winter hardiness and their undemanding nature make them the ideal hedge plant (cut hedge, privacy hedge). In order to maintain this hedge, all shoots should be shortened slightly after flowering.

tips and tricks

Be sure to wear gloves when cutting the lavender heather! Otherwise you risk the toxic ingredients irritating your skin.

Category:

Herbs