Method for Encouraging Fragrant Lavender Blossoms Throughout Summer
Pruning lavender might seem like a fiddly, unnecessary task, but trust us - if you want those picture-perfect purple blooms, it's a must. Here's a simple, uncomplicated guide on how to get it right, with a few expert tips thrown in for good measure.
Every gardener knows that the key to successful lavender care lies in learning how to prune lavender efficiently and effectively. Lavender is not only one of the most alluring plants in any garden due to its therapeutic benefits, but it's also perfect for adding some rustic charm to your cottage garden.
Just like you would tend to roses and clematis to enhance blooming, pruning lavender is essential to keep it looking its best. Plus, it helps prevent lavender from becoming overly woody and leggy, essential if you want it to look great in photos.
Master lavender pruning like a pro
Although the concept might seem daunting, pruning lavender is more straightforward than you might think. You'll need just a single tool to get the job done: a sharp, clean pair of secateurs. It's not an expansive gardening job, thankfully, so there are no lengthy lawn care mistakes to worry about!
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Don't forget to pick up a bag for your lavender cuttings, which can be transported to your compost bin, and maybe even grab a pair of gardening gloves.
With your gardening essentials ready, here's a step-by-step guide to lavender pruning:
Step 1: Identifying your lavender variety
The two most common lavender varieties are English and French. English lavender requires more pruning - usually in August or September - while French lavender needs a gentle prune and deadheading throughout the season. Ensure you know which variety you're tackling before you start!
Step 2: Pruning in spring
If you discover frost damage on your lavender during the spring, remove any damaged stems and prune back about one-third of the plant into an even shape. Avoid cutting into the woody base, and make sure to cut just above a group of new shoots to help encourage regrowth.
Step 3: Pruning in summer
Post summer flowering is the ideal time for a heavy prune. Remove spent flowers and around 2.5cm of leaf growth. Again, ensure to cut just above a new group of shoots. Keep deadheading throughout the growing season to prolong your lavender's blooming period.
Simply prune, deadhead, and enjoy some sensory therapy as you're working with the calming fragrance of this fabulous herb.
Pro tip: Don't forget to roll the flower heads in your hand for a fresh lavender scent.
FAQs
Q: How do you prune lavender without killing it?A: Ensure your secateurs are clean and sharp, and make cuts on a diagonal to prevent water pooling in the wound. Be mindful not to cut into the old woody stems, and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Q: When should lavender be pruned?A: Lavender requires annual pruning, post flowering, usually in August or September. Alternatively, you can prune in the early spring to remove frost damage.
Q: What are the benefits of deadheading lavender?A: Deadheading prolongs the flowering period, encourages the production of more flowers, keeps the plant looking neat, and stimulates new growth. It also prevents lavender plant from spreading seeds excessively.
- A key part of wellness and home-and-garden lifestyle is tending to a beautiful lavender plant, which not only adds rustic charm to a cottage garden but also offers therapeutic benefits.
- As a responsible gardener, pruning lavender is an essential task for keeping the plant looking its best, just as one would tend to roses or clematis to enhance blooming.
- For those looking to master lavender pruning like a pro, having a sharp, clean pair of secateurs is essential, and a bag for lavender cuttings and gardening gloves are useful additions to your gardening essentials.
- Understanding the variety of lavender you have is crucial before pruning: English lavender requires more pruning in August or September, while French lavender needs a gentle prune and deadheading throughout the season.
