How to Prune & Shape Lavender

Use lavender in drawer and closet sachets to scent clothing.

Lavender is a woody subshrub that produces fragrant purple buds on stalks. These flowers generally are harvested and used, retaining their color and scent when dried. If flowers are left on the stalk to open, the plant will stop producing. Lavender plants last about seven years with good pruning practices. Prune established bushes at least once a year to keep them producing; start pruning right away when planting lavender in the spring.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Rubber bands

Instructions

1. Snip off any flowers on plants before planting. This allows all the plant's energy to go to root development rather than dividing it between producing flowers and developing roots.

2. Pinch tips off strong stems at planting time. This encourages branching out to fill out the bush.

3. Wait until flowers become swollen and one or two on the stalk have opened. Prune flowers off the stem at the base of the stalk above the last few leaves. Leaving the flowers on the stalk to dry will stunt further blooming and growth as the plant will think the season is over and start shutting down for winter.Bundle stems with a rubber band and hang in a well-ventilated area out of the sun to dry and use them to freshen closets and drawers.

4. Prune plants again next spring right after growth starts to appear. Pruning prior to any green growth can result in cutting productive branches. Remove any branches that are not coming back to life. Take about one-third of the height of the plant. This will prevent it from drooping open and becoming woody and unproductive. It also stimulates the plant to branch out and grow.

5. Remove any subsequent flowers as needed throughout the season. Wait until they are just about ready to bloom and cut the stem. This will allow for more flowers to form and bloom.

6. Prune one-third of the bush's height after flowering is finished. Shape plants at this time, but always leave at least three to five leaves or leaf nodes on each branch. Cutting to the ground will kill the plant.

7. Cut back minimally and only if necessary in the fall. Prune in fall long before the first expected frost of the season. This stimulates growth and fall is not the time for growth, but time to wind down and prepare for winter dormancy. Many gardeners do cut back during early autumn to keep shrubs from falling open to expose their centers during the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune during the late morning, after moisture has dried, to harvest flowers when weather has been dry a few days. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut lavender. Use hedge trimmers to prune if no flowers are to be saved.

• Plants do not start producing well until they are 2 to 3 years old, so use common sense when pruning new plants. Avoid cutting too much or cutting into old wood that is still viable as this may kill the plant. Avoid pruning in fall if possible.

References

• "Fine Gardening" Magazine; The Allure of Lavender; Andy Van Havelingen; Issue 73
• "Fine Gardening" Magazine; Pruning Subshrubs; Debra Knapke; Issue 102
• Colorado State University Extension: Growing Lavender in Colorado; K.A. Kimbrough, et al; October 2009
• Washington State University; Lavender; Joan Helbacka King; July 2002
• Lavender Enchantment: Pruning

Resources

• Sunset: Your Guide to Planting, Care and Harvesting Lavender; Kathleen Brenzel