Lavender is a beloved garden plant, cherished for its wonderfully fragrant blooms and aromatic foliage that bring colour to gardens for months on end. It also serves as a natural repellent for unwanted visitors like cats and rats, making it an excellent choice for borders and pots. These plants are straightforward to cultivate when positioned in a sunny spot, though they do require one yearly task to encourage bushy regrowth, according to gardening expert Monty Don.
The Essential Annual Pruning
In a recent blog post, Monty Don emphasised: "To avoid woody, leggy plants, lavender should be pruned every year. The best time to do this is as soon as the flowers start to fade, which, depending on the variety, can be any time between midsummer and the end of August." He advises against waiting for seed heads to form or flowers to turn brown, as the goal is to allow maximum regrowth time before winter sets in.
The gardening guru recommends cutting back vigorously to achieve a neat shape while carefully retaining some fresh shoots on each stem. This step is crucial because lavender often fails to regenerate from old wood, meaning improper pruning could potentially destroy the plant.
Benefits of Timely Pruning
Monty explains: "These new shoots will grow fast and provide an attractive and healthy cover to protect the plant in winter and provide the basis of next year's display." Proper pruning not only maintains the plant's shape but also ensures a robust, colourful show year after year.
Watering Lavender in Warm Weather
Regarding hydration during the warmer months, the aim should be to water thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring proper drainage. In the heat, it is best to water in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation. More established plants, particularly those planted directly in the ground, typically require less frequent watering. However, recently planted container specimens should be kept regularly hydrated.
Summer is also an ideal time for other garden tasks such as cutting long grass, watering plants deeply, creating new strawberry plants, and pruning fruit trees. By following Monty Don's simple advice, gardeners can enjoy a thriving lavender display with minimal effort.
