Find out when and how to prune lavender in spring to get the best growth and flowering.
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Introduction
Lavender (Lavandula) is a hardy, evergreen shrub that is valued for its aromatic flowers and oil. It is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean. The plant was brought to England by the Romans and has been cultivated there since the 12th century. Lavender is now grown in many parts of the world, including France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Africa and the United States.
This versatile plant can be used in cooking, as a decoration or dried for potpourri. Lavender also has medicinal properties and can be used to make soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. The plant grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and does not require a lot of fertilizer.
Lavender can be pruned in spring or fall. However, fall pruning gives the plant more time to recover before winter sets in. Spring pruning should be done before new growth begins.
The ideal time to prune lavender
Spring is the ideal time to prune lavender. The plant will be just beginning to break dormancy and any new growth will be soft and easy to shape. Lavender blooms on new wood, so by pruning in spring you’ll encourage the plant to produce lots of fresh, new stems for an abundant summer bloom.
The tools you need
Pruning lavender in spring is a necessary task to ensure the plant remains healthy and produces plenty of flowers come summer. But what tools do you need to get the job done?
When it comes to pruning lavender, you really only need two things: a pair of sharp pruning shears and a lavender-specific fertilizer.
Pruning shears are designed specifically for cutting through thicker branches, so they’ll be able to handle the tough stems of the lavender plant. And because they’re sharp, they’ll make clean cuts that will help promote healing.
As for fertilizer, lavender is a heavy feeder, so it needs a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium. These two nutrients will help the plant produce more flowers.
How to prune lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a woody, perennial herb with a characteristic fragrance that is pleasing in both the garden and the home. This easy-to-grow plant is tolerant of most soil types and requires very little maintenance. Lavender will bloom best if it is given a light trimming in the spring, after the last frost has passed. Here are some tips on how to prune lavender:
Before you start pruning, take a look at the plant and identify any dead or diseased wood. These parts of the plant should be removed first. Next, remove any wood that is crossing or rubbing together, as this can damage the plant. Once you have removed all of the dead or damaged wood, you can begin shaping the plant.
Start by pruning back any side shoots to about half their length. Then cut back the main stems by one-third to one-half. It is important not to cut back too much, as this can damage the plant. When you are finished pruning, your lavender plant should have a nice, even shape.
The benefits of pruning lavender
Pruning lavender in spring provides numerous benefits to the plant, such as:
-Promoting new growth
-Stimulatingbushier growth
-Encouraging more blooms
-Preventing the plant from becoming leggy
-Helping to control the size and shape of the plant
FAQs
1. When is the best time to prune lavender?
The best time to prune lavender is in the spring, after the last frost. This allows the plant time to recover before winter.
2. How much should I prune?
You should prune about a third of the plant each year. This will help encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown.
3. What tools do I need?
For small lavender plants you can use hand pruners. For larger plants, you may need a saw or shears.
4. Will pruning help my plant produce more flowers?
Yes, pruning can help encourage your plant to produce more flowers.