Lavender Life Cycle

November 16, 2024 Post a Comment

Lavender life cycle

When sited correctly and pruned judiciously, lavenders should live for five to seven years. Although lavender is fairly drought tolerant, adequate moisture is required throughout the growing season. Most critical are the weeks after planting to ensure that soil around the rootball does not dry out.

Does lavender come back every year?

If you have lavender plants that are hardy in your growing zone (see our Lavender 101 post for more information on this), it is likely that they will return year after year for a decade or two. But even the toughest perennials may still look quite grisly after their long winter dormancy.

How long does lavender stay in bloom?

Most mid-season blooming Lavenders belong to the Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) group. Flowering typically occurs in June or July and tends to last 3-4 weeks.

Does lavender rebloom after cutting?

English lavender blooms in late spring to early summer. If it's pruned lightly just after its first flowering, it will likely flower again in late summer. After this second flowering, a full pruning—typically in late August—will prepare it for winter and encourage more blooms in spring.

Can I cut lavender back to the ground?

If you leave the dead stems too long, you might see them sticking out all summer, which doesn't look very nice. Just remember to always prune lavender above the leaves. Never cut lavender back to wood below all of the growth, because lavender will not grow back from old wood.

When should lavender be cut back?

“Ideally, you should prune your lavender twice in a growing season — once in early spring and once in late summer, after it's done blooming,” she says. In early spring, Fedele suggests waiting until you see new growth before you prune. Then in late summer, after the plants have stopped blooming, prune again.

Does lavender spread on its own?

Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.

How do you winterize lavender?

If your plant will be inside for the winter, keep it in a cool, non-freezing location with sunlight and air circulation. Slow down watering of plants. Lavender prefers a dry soil, and the amount of rain that naturally falls will be sufficient for the plant.

Do you cut back lavender in the fall?

Unlike many perennial plants and shrubs that can be pruned now, it is best to wait to prune lavender until after bloom in spring or in early fall before any danger of frost. Pruning now can cause dieback that may kill the plant.

Does lavender spread quickly?

Lavender is a slow grower and may take one to three months to reach transplanting size. The greatest threat to lavender seeds and seedlings is fungus. Keep soil mix moist, but provide good air circulation to help reduce disease outbreaks.

What do I do with lavender when it has finished flowering?

When these shoots have finished flowering, you should consistently prune back to the bushy, leafed part of the plant. Most hobby gardeners follow a one-third-two-third rule when pruning Lavender. This stipulates you prune back the plants by a third in the summer and two thirds in the spring.

How do you know when to deadhead lavender?

The flowers on lavenders usually start to fade in late spring and early summer, so this would be a great time to deadhead and remove the faded blooms. If you want to use the cut flowers in your home or create fragranced soap or other items, cut the stems well before they've faded, as they will be far more potent.

What happens if you don't cut lavender flowers?

If you don't prune the lavender, it will grow misshapen, “leggy”, and split at the base as the branches get longer and heavier. Once this happens, it's almost impossible to save the plant. The only way to keep this from happening is annual pruning.

What happens if you cut lavender back too far?

“It's true that lavender doesn't regenerate if you cut hard back like this, but you can often find signs of young shoots sprouting from those lower, woody stems. This is a good indication that hard pruning could help to regenerate the plant.

How do you get lavender to bloom twice?

The plants can be trimmed back to 6 inches tall in early spring to remove any dead woody tissue or stems, and also to encourage flowering on new wood. If plants are cut back or pruned after their summer flowering, this can encourage lavender to bloom once again during the moderate weather of early fall.

How do I stop my lavender going woody?

Preventing Woody Lavender Plant your lavender in well-drained, rocky soil, on a slope (if possible) to ensure drainage. Fertilize them lightly the very first year after planting. After that, do not fertilize regularly. Prune lavender lightly to maintain the rounded shape.

Why do lavender plants go woody?

Lavender can live up to 20 years, but plants often get woody after six to eight years. Heavy soil and regular summer watering are primary reasons for this problem. To encourage longer life, let plants dry out in summer before watering. If you have clay soil, plant on a slope and/or amend soil in the planting area.

Can you split lavender and replant?

A: It's fairly easy to transplant a lavender plant, but you can't divide them. Lavenders are woody shrubs and if you split one down the middle, it will die. The best time to move lavender is in late winter and early spring.

How much should I cut back lavender in the fall?

Cut off about 2/3 of the plant's height or to just above the bottom two sets of leaves on each stem. Take care not to cut into the woody part of the plant which can cause damage. Twice-a-year pruning will keep your plant healthy and compact.

How invasive is lavender?

Answer and Explanation: No, lavender is not considered on official invasive species. Although the plant is non-native in North America, it does not currently pose a threat to indigenous species nor threaten human health and safety.