Prune Lavender Now for a Second Bloom in August
Gardeners who want their lavender to bloom again in August need to perform one simple task this weekend: give the plants a trim. According to Lindsey, a gardener and owner of 15 lavender plants who shared her advice on TikTok (@mamanowwhat), trimming English lavender now can encourage a second round of blooms later in the summer.
Lindsey explained, "If you're growing English lavender, giving it a trim can give you a whole second round of blooms later in summer." She emphasized that this trick works best for English lavender varieties like Hidcote and Munstead, while other types are happier with a simple deadhead and light trim.
How to Prune Lavender for a Second Bloom
To prune correctly, Lindsey ties a piece of string around the entire plant to ensure she only removes the flowerheads. This method prevents cutting too deeply into the woody part of the plant, which can harm its ability to regrow.
Ideally, lavender should be pruned twice a year: once in spring and once in summer. The spring pruning is best done before bud break in late March to early April. The second pruning should occur in July, just before flowering, to allow a second flowering phase in August.
Pruning Tips for Healthy Lavender
When pruning, it's important not to cut too deeply. In spring, reduce the lavender by about one to two-thirds just before buds open. After summer blooms, trim it back to half. Younger plants require more pruning—up to half the shoots—to encourage compact growth. For older bushes, remove dead flower heads and prune gently, avoiding cuts deeper than around 10 cm, as lavender struggles to regrow from woody branches near the ground.
Lindsey also addressed concerns about bees: "My garden was actually designed to be a little bee sanctuary. I have 15 English lavender plants plus hundreds of other bee friendly flowers, so there's always plenty in bloom for our pollinators. Trimming a few lavender plants now encourages fresh growth and another round of blooms later in the season, so if anything, it's helping extend the buffet."
Regular pruning not only promotes a second bloom but also prevents the plant from becoming woody and leggy, keeping it healthy and attractive throughout the season.
