Lavender plants are timeless additions to gardens, offering vibrant purple blooms and a familiar fragrance that attracts pollinators during the summer months. With proper care and maintenance, lavender plants can thrive for up to 20 years, growing into impressive bushes in garden borders. However, neglecting to prune lavender regularly can lead to woody and unkempt appearances, making it essential for gardeners to understand the art of pruning and rejuvenating these plants.
As someone experienced in gardening, I’ve encountered numerous old and woody lavender plants that seemed beyond saving. While it may be tempting to replace such plants, with the plethora of lavender varieties available, I advocate for attempting to revive woody lavenders through careful pruning. In this guide, I’ll share insights into pruning woody lavender plants effectively and even propagating new lavender bushes from cuttings, offering hope for rejuvenating neglected or aging lavender plants.
The first step in saving woody lavender plants is knowing when to prune them. Spring, particularly after the last frost, is the ideal time for this task. Waiting until mid to late April, depending on your local frost patterns, ensures that new growth won’t be damaged by frost. Armed with reliable tools like Felco pruners, gardeners can approach pruning with precision and care, setting the stage for lavender rejuvenation.
When pruning woody lavender plants, a close inspection is necessary. Look for signs of life such as emerging green shoots or growth nodes along the stems. Slow and cautious pruning is recommended, cutting just above a growth node to encourage new growth while maintaining a rounded base. For severely woody plants, taking cuttings as an insurance policy before aggressive pruning can be a prudent strategy, although it carries some risk.
An alternative approach involves gradual pruning over three years, leaving some old stems intact while trimming others. This method reduces stress on the plant and allows for a more gradual rejuvenation process. While it may require patience and dedication, this approach can yield excellent results, revitalizing old lavender plants over time.
Additionally, gardeners can take cuttings from woody lavender plants before pruning them, ensuring that new bushes can replace old ones. Softwood cuttings during spring and early summer are ideal for propagation. With proper techniques and care, these cuttings can develop into thriving lavender bushes, continuing the legacy of fragrant and beautiful lavender in the garden.
