Pruning lavender is essential to maintaining a compact, neat shape and encouraging robust new growth. The best time to prune these fragrant plants is in late summer, usually once the flowering has finished and before autumn sets in. This typically falls between August and September for many regions.

Pruning any later than early autumn can leave the plants vulnerable to harsh winter weather since new growth may not have enough time to harden off before the cold arrives. During pruning, it’s advised to cut back not only the flower stems but also about an inch of the current year’s growth to promote bushy growth and prevent the lavender from becoming straggly and misshapen.

However, be careful not to cut into the old wood because this part of the plant does not regenerate well—if at all—and doing so can result in parts of your lavender plant dying off or creating bare spots. A rule of thumb for gardeners is to look for the point where there’s still green foliage and avoid cutting down to the woody section.

It’s also beneficial to conduct a lighter trim in spring to prepare the plant for the growing season ahead. This involves just lightly shaping the plant and removing any dead or damaged parts that have suffered over winter.

Adhering to proper pruning times helps ensure that your lavender remains attractive and contributes fully to your garden’s sensory appeal year after year.