Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant addition to many Dutch and Belgian gardens, but it does need regular pruning to stay healthy and attractive. Pruning helps lavender keep its shape, encourages new growth, and can extend the life of the plant. Here, you'll find clear, step-by-step advice for pruning lavender, along with answers to common questions and tips to avoid mistakes.

Why Prune Lavender?

• Prevents woody growth: Regular pruning keeps lavender from becoming too woody and bare at the base.
• Encourages bushy growth: Pruned plants produce more shoots and flowers.
• Improves lifespan: Well-maintained lavender can thrive for many years.

When Should You Prune Lavender?

Lavender is best pruned twice a year:

• Main pruning: Late summer to early autumn (August or September), after flowering has finished but before the first frost.
• Light spring trim: In early spring (March or April), remove any winter-damaged stems and tidy the shape.

Avoid pruning in late autumn or winter, as this can make the plant more vulnerable to frost damage.

How to Prune Lavender: Step-by-Step

1. Wait until flowering is over. Most lavender blooms from June to August. Prune after the last flowers fade.
2. Use clean, sharp shears. This helps prevent disease.
3. Cut back the stems. Trim about one-third of the green growth, shaping the plant into a rounded mound. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as these rarely regrow.
4. Remove faded flower spikes. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages new shoots.
5. Check for dead or damaged branches. Remove these in early spring.

Common Pruning Mistakes

• Pruning too late: Cutting back after the first frost can damage the plant.
• Cutting into woody stems: Lavender does not regrow well from old wood. Always leave some green growth on each stem.
• Not pruning at all: Unpruned lavender becomes leggy, woody, and may flower less over time.