Lavender Plants

Prune lavender once a year, ideally in late summer after the main flush of flowers have faded. Cut back the spent stems and shape the plant into a neat mound, being careful not to cut into old, woody growth. Lightly trim again in early spring, if needed, to tidy winter damage, but avoid heavy pruning.

Lavender bushes become woody when they aren't pruned routinely, or when grown in soil that's too rich or too damp. Annual pruning keeps plants compact and encourages fresh shoots. If the centre is opening up, or stems look leggy, that can be a sign that the pruning was too light or was skipped altogether, or that drainage needs to be improved.

Lavender does best in well-drained, low-fertility soil: it likes sandy, gritty or chalky ground. Heavy or clay soils should be improved by adding sharp sand or grit to prevent waterlogging, as lavender dislikes sitting wet. A sunny, open position is essential for strong growth and good flowering.

Lavender in containers needs sharper drainage and more consistent watering than plants in the ground. Use a mix of compost and horticultural grit, water when the top layer feels dry, and make sure excess water can escape freely. Feed lightly with fertiliser in spring only. Choose a pot just large enough for the root ball, and raise it on feet to stop water collecting at the base.

It is possible to revive an old lavender if some healthy green shoots remain on the lower stems. Cut back gradually over two or three years, reducing about a third of the plant each time. Lavender won't regrow from bare, woody stems, so if the base is fully hardened and leafless, replacement is usually the better option.

Lavender requires minimal watering once established. Water newly planted lavender regularly in the first growing season, then only in prolonged dry spells. Over-watering is a common cause of root rot for lavender plants, especially in containers or heavy soil. Allow the top of the compost to dry between waterings and always ensure good drainage.

Avoid using moisture-retentive mulches like bark or compost, as these trap damp around the crown. Instead, put a layer of grit or small gravel around the base to keep the stems dry and improve airflow. When planting, add grit or sand to heavy soil rather than nutrient-rich compost.