Lavender enthusiasts are being urged to prune their plants before the end of March to ensure a vibrant display of flowers this summer. The advice comes from gardening expert Monty Don, who warns that neglecting this annual task can lead to woody, leggy plants that produce fewer blooms.
In a blog post, Don explained that the best time to prune lavender is as soon as the flowers start to fade, which typically occurs between midsummer and the end of August. However, he emphasised that gardeners should not wait for seed heads to form or flowers to turn brown, as this reduces the time for regrowth before winter.
Don recommends cutting back vigorously to achieve a neat shape, while ensuring that some fresh shoots remain on each stem. This is crucial because lavender often fails to regenerate from old wood, and improper pruning could kill the plant. He added that new shoots will grow quickly, providing an attractive cover to protect the plant in winter and forming the basis for next year's display.
For watering, Don advises watering thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring proper drainage. During hot weather, watering should be done in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation. Established plants in the ground require less frequent watering than newly planted container specimens.
Lavender is prized for its fragrant blooms and scented foliage, and it can also repel pests like cats and rats. With proper pruning and care, gardeners can enjoy a profusion of flowers year after year.
