How To Prune Lavender That Has Become Woody

Lavender is one of those plants that can be hard to take care of. It’s prone to get leggy, so pruning is necessary to keep it in shape. But with so many different types of lavender out there, which type should you prune?

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of lavender and how you can prune them accordingly. We will also include a guide on how to propagate lavender from cuttings, should you want to grow your own supply.

What is Lavender?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a shrub or small tree that ranges from 1-6 m tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, and 3-7 cm long. The flowers are blue, purple, or white and are arranged in spikelike inflorescences.

Identification of Lavender That Requires Pruning

Lavender is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes other flowering plants such as parsley and thyme. Lavender’s botanical name is Lavandula angustifolia. There are many different types of lavender, with some requiring more care than others.

Lavender can be pruned in one of two ways – topiary or vase-style.

Topiary pruning removes only the main branches from the plant, creating a dense shrublike form. This type of pruning is best for young plants that need to be kept small and tidy.

Vase-style pruning removes all the branches from the plant at their base, allowing it to grow into a tall flower formation. This type of pruning is better for older plants that have more natural growth patterns and want to maintain their large floral structure.

What kind of tools can you use to prune Lavender?

There are a few different tools that can be used to trim lavender plants. The most common tool is a standard gardening shears, which can be used to remove any dead or damaged branches. Other tools that can be used include hand pruners, loppers, and a hedge trimmer.

It is important to be careful when pruning lavender plants, as they are susceptible to damage from overcutting. Always use a standard gardening shears or other appropriate tool to avoid damaging the stem or foliage.

How to prune lavender safely

Lavender is a popular shrub or small tree that can be pruned safely with a few simple steps. Pruning lavender should be done in the early spring before growth has fully resumed, to preserve its shape and health.

Choose a Proper Time to Prune

Prune lavender when it is dormant, which typically occurs in late winter or early spring. This will help to preserve its shape and minimize the risk of injury. However, don’t wait too long;lavender may go dormant early in cold climates or during periods of drought.

Pick the Right Pruning Tools

Select the proper pruning tools for the job at hand. Long-handled shears are best for removing large branches, such as those that support flowers and fruit. A loppers can also be used for smaller jobs, but be sure to wear gloves to avoid cuts on your hands. For finer cuts, use a hedge trimmer or wire cutters.

Start by Cutting Away Older Branches and Thorns

Start by cutting away older branches and thorny growth close to the ground with long-handled shears or loppers. Cut back branches that are growing towards each other and rub them against each other to break their connection. Do not remove branches that are growing directly from the trunk – these should be left until later in the season when they can be removed more easily with a hedge trimmer or wire cutter [source: LavenderOne].

What are the best times to prune lavender?

The best time to prune lavender is in the Spring or Fall. During these times, the plant is not growing as fast and there is less risk of damage.

Pruning in the early Spring will promote new growth, while pruning in the late Fall will encourage a thicker stem and more flowers.

Remember to use a sharp knife when pruning lavender, and be careful not to cut into the stem too deeply.

Prune Lavender in the Spring

Lavender is a hardy plant that can withstand some pruning, but it needs to be done in the spring when the buds are forming.

 Prune lavender back about one-third to one-half of the stem, taking care not to damage any of the roots.

 Make sure you remove any dead or damaged branches so that the lavender bush will have enough light and air circulation.

Prune Lavender in the Fall

Prune lavender in the fall to promote new growth and prolong the life of the plant. Handle the plants gently, using a finger or a gardening tool that is not sharp. Follow these tips for pruning your lavender:

1. Remove dead or damaged branches using a hand pruner or an appropriate gardening tool.
2. Cut off all of the woody stems below ground, about 2 inches from the root ball.
3. Leave 1 inch of stem on each branch so that plants will be able to produce flower buds next year.
4. Prune lavender bushes in late September through October, when they are in full bloom.

After Pruning, Cleanup and Maintenance

Lavender is a popular flowering plant and can be grown in many climates. As the plant grows, it may become woody and need to be pruned. Pruning will help to keep the lavenderbushes looking their best and will promote healthy growth.

Before pruning lavender, it’s important to clean up any debris around the plant. This will help to reduce the chances of Future pruning mistakes.

 Make sure that you remove all of the dead leaves, twigs and other materials from around the lavender plants. If there are any harmful bugs or diseases present, spraying them with a safe insecticide before pruning will help to avoid problems down the road.

When it comes to selecting which Lavendar species to prune, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, some general tips that can be used when deciding whether or not to prune a particular Lavendar include assessing how high up the plant the branches are growing (shorter branches should be cut closer to the ground), checking for diseased or damaged parts of the stem (these can often lead to declining health), and making sure that new growth is being directed away from areas that have been previously damaged or eliminated by older growth.

Generally speaking, Lavendar plantspraying once yearly with an appropriate systemic insecticide like Banner offers good protection against most common pests and diseases while still allowing for necessary annual trimming.