Pruning lavender bushes is a necessary part of keeping them healthy and looking their best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, keeping the bush lush and full. The lavender bush is a beautiful addition to any garden, and with proper pruning, it can remain healthy and attractive year-round. Knowing how to prune a lavender bush correctly can help you keep your lavender looking its best.
When to Prune Lavender
The best time to prune lavender is in the early spring, just as the new growth starts. This is the time when the lavender bush has the most energy and can put that energy into forming new shoots and branches. Pruning in the fall can disrupt the bush and make it more susceptible to winter damage. Pruning can also be done in the summer, but it should be done sparingly, as too much pruning can damage the bush.
How to Prune Lavender
When pruning lavender, you want to start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches can be damaged by pests, disease, or harsh weather. Once you have removed any dead or damaged branches, you can begin to thin out the bush. This will help to ensure that the lavender bush is not overcrowded, and it will also help to allow air to circulate through the bush. When pruning, you should also make sure to remove any branches that are growing out of the bush in an unnatural way.
Pruning for Shape
When pruning for shape, it’s important to make sure that the bush is evenly trimmed. This will help to give the lavender bush a neat and tidy appearance, which is more pleasing to the eye. When pruning for shape, you should also make sure that the top of the bush is lower than the sides. This will help to ensure that all of the stems have access to plenty of light and air, which is important for healthy growth.
Tools Needed for Pruning
When pruning lavender, you will need a pair of sharp pruning shears. It’s important that the shears are sharp so that you can make clean, precise cuts. You will also need a pair of gloves to protect your hands from any sharp branches. It’s also a good idea to have a bucket on hand to put the clippings in so that you don’t have to worry about disposing of them.
Fertilizing After Pruning
After pruning your lavender bush, it’s important to fertilize it. This will help to keep the bush healthy and encourage new growth. It’s best to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for lavender. You should also make sure to water the bush thoroughly after fertilizing to help the fertilizer reach the roots.
Pruning Regularly
It’s important to prune your lavender bush regularly in order to keep it healthy and looking its best. Pruning your lavender bush once or twice a year is usually enough to keep it in good shape. If you notice that your lavender bush is becoming overcrowded, you can prune it more frequently. Just make sure not to prune too much or too often, as this can damage the bush.
Conclusion
Pruning your lavender bush is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. Pruning should be done in the early spring when the new growth starts, and it should be done regularly in order to keep the bush from becoming overcrowded. Pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears, and gloves should also be worn to protect your hands. After pruning, it’s important to fertilize and water the bush in order to keep it healthy and encourage new growth.