Pruning Lavender
When and Why to Prune

Santa Maria degli Ancillotti

Biological agriculture

The cultivation of lavender is very widespread in our country. There are many reasons, first of all that it is impossible not to love it: its scent and color inspire well-being and relaxation and, what's more, these powers are not only expressed on a visual level, but also on a real level. In fact, lavender produces an essential oil that is very rich in beneficial properties for health, excellent for skin, hair and body care, as well as highly appreciated for the production of perfumes.

The lavender plant

Lavender is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean region that is widely cultivated for its relaxing scent and medicinal properties.
The beauty of its purple/lilac flowers is not only attractive to us humans who admire it in the splendid hedges that adorn gardens, but also to the insects and butterflies that feed on its nectar. Growing lavender, therefore, is also useful for promoting the spread of insects and their activity in favor of biodiversity.

It is important to know that lavender is a very resistant plant and also easy to grow, that requires little care, that can live peacefully in many types of soil and climatic conditions and that is little subject to attacks by parasites and diseases.

To ensure that lavender is maintained well over time, with a beautiful and tidy bush and with a good production of flowers, at least one precaution is necessary: pruning.
Don’t be afraid: pruning lavender is within the reach of even those who are not very familiar with this type of activity. It is a simple operation, but important for the health and beauty of the plant.

Pruning lavender

Lavender should be pruned twice a year: at the end of winter and after flowering.

• Pruning in March: after the end of the harsh winter and at the beginning of spring, the lavender plant is in vegetative recovery.

In this phase we can thin out and, if necessary, shorten.
In this case we must pay a little attention: in lavender there are no latent buds, so if we shorten indiscriminately up to the part of the stem where there are no leaves, no others will grow. So to shorten lavender it is necessary to cut the tops, but always leaving some leaves.

• Pruning in September: after flowering, pruning is done to eliminate the exhausted, dry inflorescences – it is easy to understand when it is possible to start, that is, when the flowers begin to turn gray.
Even in this case, we do not cut the stem completely, but we carry out a topping, cutting the stems up to the first leaves that we find at its beginning.

How to prune lavender

To prune lavender, it is important to equip yourself with good garden shears and proceed with pruning slightly above the woody part, without cutting too deep. Pruning must be done at a height that allows the lavender to develop again in the following period, but not too low, otherwise it will not allow the plant to grow healthily.

It is important to remove all dry flowers and woody parts that compromise the health of the plant, trying to maintain a harmonious and regular shape. When pruning, it is advisable to use gardening gloves to protect your hands from sharp leaves and dry parts.

Summer pruning: An opportunity to renew the plant
In addition to the main pruning in late winter or early spring and autumn pruning, it is useful to consider a light summer pruning, immediately after the first flowering. This intervention, particularly recommended in warmer regions, stimulates a second flowering, although less intense than the first. Summer pruning keeps the plant compact, preventing it from becoming excessively woody and promotes a balanced structure, essential for abundant flowering in the following year.
Rejuvenating Old Lavender: Recovery Techniques
Lavender plants that are not pruned regularly can become woody and lose vigor. To rejuvenate an old lavender, a gradual approach is necessary, avoiding cutting too deep into the woody branches, as the plant may not regenerate. Rejuvenation pruning should preferably be done in spring, always leaving a portion of the stem with leaves to allow the plant to regenerate. In this way, even a very old lavender can regain vitality and produce lush flowers again.
Plant Health Benefits of Pruning
Pruning is not just an aesthetic activity; it is essential for the health of lavender. Removing dry, damaged or diseased parts reduces the risk of fungal diseases and pest infestations. In addition, a well-pruned plant promotes better air circulation within the bush, reducing humidity and preventing problems such as root rot. This is especially important for lavender, which prefers dry and well-ventilated environments.
Preparation for pruning: tools and safety
For effective and safe pruning, you need to have the right tools. Pruning shears must be well sharpened to ensure clean cuts, minimizing the risk of damage to the plant. It is equally important that the tools are clean and disinfected, to avoid the transmission of diseases. Gardening gloves are essential to protect your hands from the woody and prickly parts of the plant.

In general, correct pruning of lavender is essential to keep the plant healthy and lush. Furthermore, it allows for intense flowering and to maintain a harmonious and regular shape. With a little attention, lavender can give a colorful and fragrant garden throughout the estate.
What are we committed to?
At Relais Santa Maria degli Ancillotti, we are passionate about caring for our park and the landscape surrounding the property. Each plant and tree is cared for with care to ensure a lush and welcoming environment for our guests. In addition, our vegetable garden, grown using sustainable methods, allows us to offer fresh, zero-mile fruit and vegetables directly to our restaurant.
This daily commitment reflects our philosophy of respect for nature and offering genuine, high-quality products.

Pruning Lavender When and Why to Prune

The lavender plant

Pruning lavender

How to prune lavender

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