A Lavender Pruning Guide for UK Gardeners
Lavender: it’s one of Britain’s most beloved garden plants. With its evergreen silvery foliage, aromatic perfume, and soft purple spires, Lavandula is as much a part of the English summer as cream teas and cricket. But to keep this Mediterranean beauty thriving year after year, regular pruning is essential. So when exactly should you prune back lavender in the UK and how?
In this Garden Review pruning guide we explore the best time and method to prune lavender for long-lasting blooms, fuller shape, and healthy growth.
Why Prune Lavender at All?
Lavender is a hardy perennial shrub, but left to its own devices, it can quickly become woody, leggy, and sparse. Pruning isn’t just about neatness; it encourages the plant to produce more flowering stems and maintain its compact form.
A well-pruned lavender bush can live for 10–15 years or more, whereas an unpruned one may start to lose vigour after just a few seasons.
When Should I Prune Back Lavender in the UK?
The Main Prune: Late Summer (August to Early September)
In the UK, the ideal time to prune lavender is just after flowering, typically in late August through early September.
This timing allows the plant to redirect energy from seed production into new growth and prepares it for overwintering. Crucially, pruning in late summer gives the plant enough time to harden off new shoots before the first frost.
Don’t wait too long. Pruning in late autumn or winter risks damaging tender new growth when the cold sets in.
How Much Lavender Should I Cut Back?
- Use sharp, clean secateurs.
- Cut back each stem by about one-third, just above the leafy part of the plant.
- Avoid cutting into woody stems—lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood.
- Aim to shape the plant into a tidy mound, which helps prevent snow or water damage in winter.
Can I Prune Lavender in Spring?
Yes, but with caution.
A light spring trim in April (once the threat of frost has passed) can tidy up winter damage or reshape uneven growth. However, spring is not the main pruning time—it’s more of a top-up, especially if you forgot to prune in late summer.
If you missed the autumn window altogether, a careful spring prune is better than none at all. But again, never cut back into bare wood—it’s unlikely to bounce back.
Does Variety Matter? English vs. French Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- The hardiest type for UK gardens.
- Prune once a year, just after flowering (late summer).
- Can tolerate more rigorous pruning if done properly.
French and Spanish Lavenders (Lavandula stoechas and L. dentata)
- Less hardy, better suited to containers or sheltered spots.
- Prune lightly, and more frequently—up to three times a year.
- Remove faded flowers regularly to promote longer blooming.
Top Tips for Pruning Lavender in the UK
- Choose a dry day for pruning to reduce the risk of fungal disease.
- Sterilise your tools before and after pruning to avoid spreading infections.
- Don’t forget to mulch with grit or ensure good drainage—lavender hates soggy roots.
- Save your prunings! Dried lavender stems can be used in crafts, potpourri, or to scent linen drawers.
What If My Lavender Is Already Woody?
If your lavender is woody at the base with very few leaves, it may be too late for full revival. You can try a gradual prune over two or three seasons, encouraging new growth from the edges. However, the most practical option might be to replace it with a new plant and start afresh—this time with regular pruning from year one.
A well-maintained lavender bush rewards you with years of beauty, fragrance, and pollinator appeal. The secret? Don’t neglect that late summer trim. Pruning once a year firmly but kindly—keeps this quintessential garden plant healthy, bushy, and flowering profusely.
So, the next time you’re enjoying the hum of bees over your lavender patch in August, take note: once the show is over, it’s time to give those stems a snip.
Read more about Lavender: How to Grow Lavender
Garden Review UK 
Leave a comment