How and When to Prune Lavender

Prune lavender every year right after the main flowering, usually late summer (August in the Northern Hemisphere, February in the Southern). Cut back by about one-third, shaping a rounded mound, and always leave some green leaves on each stem. Lavender does not reliably regrow from old, bare wood.

When to Prune

• Main prune: immediately after flowering, so regrowth hardens before winter.
• Spring tidy: once new growth starts, trim frost-damaged tips lightly.
• Avoid: hard pruning in late autumn; soft regrowth is damaged by frost.

How Much to Cut

1. Gather a handful of stems.
2. Cut through them a few centimetres above the woody base, where green shoots are still present.
3. Remove spent flower stalks and about a third of the leafy growth.
4. Shape the plant into a dome so rain runs off.

By Type

• English lavender: prune right after flowering; a second light trim after a repeat flush.
• Lavandin: prune after harvest in late summer.
• Spanish and French lavender: deadhead regularly and trim lightly after each flush; they are less tolerant of hard pruning.

Woody, Leggy Lavender

Unpruned lavender becomes woody and splits open after 4–5 years. You can try cutting a few stems back to low green shoots, but heavily woody plants are usually better replaced with new ones from cuttings.

More Lavender Guides

• How to Grow Lavender: The Complete Guide
• Why lavender dies
• Harvesting and drying lavender
• How long lavender lives

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you prune lavender?

Right after flowering in late summer, with a light tidy in spring.

Can you cut lavender back hard?

Not into bare wood; leave green growth on every stem.

Should I prune lavender in the fall?

Only lightly early in autumn; avoid hard pruning late in the season.