Pruning lavender. If you’re wondering how to prune lavender and when to prune lavender at the correct time, have no fear. However, lavender plants are inclined to grow leggy with age and it is recommended to replace them after five or six years. Very woody stems close up Pruning has started Continuing the process of cutting overgrown branches back Tiny leaves indicate the stem is alive The stopping point on pruning my 5 year old lavender Key Points To Know When Pruning Woody Lavender. Pruning lavender in late summer to fall helps open the plant’s interior to allow good air circulation and also removes some of the branches, which can ultimately help prevent winter damage. For example, L. stoechus cultivars need pruning in summer, right after the first flowers; this will protect the plant from winter snowfall. Ideally, pruning lavender in spring and fall is a great idea, if you can squeeze that into your garden chore schedule. We use gas-powered hedge trimmers to prune the 30,000+ plants in our fields. Read this article to find out when to prune lavender plants, and learn exactly how to prune lavender step-by-step to avoid over pruning. Cutting back lavender plants is important for the health of the plant. Drying lavender Although summer, after the plant flowers, is the best time to prune, you can prune into late summer or early fall. Pruning Lavender in spring should be done very early on to avoid pruning off undeveloped flowers about the same time you would plant spring bulbs. Go Back To Lavender Care Search. Lavender will not regrow from the lower stem sections, so cutting into wood will leave bare spots in the bush and weaken the lavender. However, it does depend on the variety. Learn more on pruning Lavender and how to prune Lavender like a pro. However, avoid pruning in late fall because frost can damage the new growth encouraged by pruning. Summer is the time we most often prune when plants are swelling over lawns and footpaths, and need to be taught a few manners. An annual pruning is an important step for long-lasting lavender (Lavandula spp.and hybrids) plants.Without it they grow a large, lanky, woody base that can split open — it looks bad and shortens the plant’s lifespan. Pruning lavender is all about ensuring that this perennial plant thrives year after year. In your own garden, as you are preparing your other plantings for the winter, add "prune the lavender" to your fall gardening checklist. Pruning lavender is important in keeping a lavender plant producing the type of fragrant foliage that most gardeners seek. All of this information is listed below. We find the best time to prune lavender in the Pacific Northwest is fall, well before the first frosts come. Cut off the dead flower stems and lightly trim the plants in late summer. 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