Should You Prune Lavender in Spring or Fall? Here’s What Gardeners Say

Lavender is a fragrant, hardy shrub known for its aromatic purple flowers. It is relatively low-maintenance and grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.

For lavender plants to maintain their dense, bushy shape, pruning is an essential part of their care routine. However, bear in mind that the timing of your pruning can affect the results.

Should you prune lavender in the spring or fall? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide when to prune for the best results.

Why Timing Matters for Lavender Pruning 

Pruning lavender at the wrong time could stunt flowering or weaken the plant.

Pruning Lavender in Spring: Pros and Cons 

Let’s start with the pros of pruning your lavender in the spring or early summer!

By pruning in spring, you encourage fresh, healthy growth, allowing the plant to produce plenty of foliage before winter.

This foliage will be cold-hardy and will also mean your lavender has an attractive, bushy look throughout the winter. Spring pruning is also a good time to remove any winter damage.

However, pruning in the spring or early summer can result in cutting off flowers that are already forming. The key is to prune once the risk of frost has passed but before the plant starts vigorously growing.

Pruning Lavender in Fall or Late Summer: Pros and Cons

Pruning in the fall will mean that you can enjoy a full summer of flowering before cutting the plant back.

This is also a good time for tidying up your lavender before the winter months by cutting back spent flower stalks and removing any dead growth, which can reduce the risk of disease and pests overwintering in the plant.

Pruning too late in the fall can expose lavender to frost damage. If pruned just before the first frost, the plant might not have enough time to recover and harden off before winter, making it more susceptible to cold stress.

So, What’s the Best Time to Prune Lavender? 

The best time to hard prune lavender is generally in late summer, around August or September, when the weather is still mild and just after the plant has finished blooming.

This timing helps the plant create a dense, bushy habit and prevents woody growth. For climates that experience frost in the winter, a second, lighter prune in the spring may be beneficial to remove any damage and tidy up the plant ahead of the growing season. 

Consider that if pruning is left too late in the fall, the plant might not have enough time to harden off before winter. In this case, it is best to wait until spring.

Quick Tips for Easy Lavender Pruning 

Pruning lavender is a simple task. The aim is to create a compact, round mound of foliage ready to produce lots of healthy new growth. Here are a few quick tips to help you get it right:

How far to cut back:

For young plants or plants that have been regularly pruned, trim back by 2-3 inches. This encourages fresh growth at the base and helps keep the plant bushy.

Old or unmaintained plants may need a little more cutting off, but make sure to leave around 5 healthy buds on each stem for new growth.

Tip: Lavender plants that haven’t been pruned in a long time will need a hard prune to reset the plant, but should need a less significant prune for each of the following seasons if maintained regularly.

Use clean, sharp tools:

Shears are the best option for pruning lavender, as they are a fast and efficient way to shape and maintain a neat round form. Always use sharp shears to ensure clean cuts that will heal quickly, and be sure to sterilize your tools before use to avoid spreading any diseases.

Remove spent flower stalks regularly:

Regularly removing faded flowers throughout the growing season encourages continuous blooming and helps keep the plant looking tidy.

Mistakes to Avoid When Pruning Lavender 

Avoid these common mistakes to keep your lavender in its best shape:

Tip: Make sure you lavender plant has around 6 to 8 weeks to regrow before the first frost.

When Not to Prune Lavender at All 

While pruning is important for lavender’s health, there are times when you should avoid pruning altogether:

Conclusion

Pruning helps lavender maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourages plentiful flowers. Early fall or spring are both suitable times to prune your lavender, avoiding frost stress or delayed flowering.

However, late summer or early fall is considered the best time to prune lavender. And, remember, a second prune in the spring can also help to tidy up the plant ahead of the growing season. With proper pruning and maintenance, your lavender will remain dense, bushy, and full of vibrant blooms.