Lavender is a stunning addition to any garden, offering vibrant colour and a delightful fragrance. However, without proper care, it can become leggy and woody, diminishing its beauty. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths, known for his TikTok tips, has shared a crucial task for May to keep lavender in top shape.
Why Prune Lavender in May?
While the ideal time for pruning lavender is late summer (August or September), a last-minute prune in May can prevent legginess. Griffiths explains that a spring trim helps maintain a neat appearance and encourages fresh growth, avoiding the development of long, sparse, woody stems with fewer leaves and flowers.
How to Prune Correctly
When pruning in spring, identify old wood (brown with almost white foliage) and new growth (bright green). Trim just above the old wood, cutting back by about a third. Avoid cutting at the base or into old wood, as this may prevent regrowth. After flowering in summer, a heavier prune can be done, but always leave some new growth below the cut to protect the plant over winter.
Additional Care Tips
- Plant lavender in a sunny spot with free-draining soil.
- Water occasionally; rain often suffices.
- Apply healthy compost to provide nutrients.
Gardeners' World warns that poor or infrequent pruning leads to leggy plants and few flowers, shortening the plant's life. With proper care, your lavender will thrive and produce abundant blooms year after year.
