Clever hack 'keeps lavender going for longer' if one job is done in October

Lavender lovers, listen up!

Whether you're a fan of English, French, or Spanish varieties, each type demands its own special care, especially when it comes to pruning. French and Spanish lavenders, for instance, are a bit more delicate than their robust English relatives and need a bit more pampering.

A well-tended lavender plant can be a stunning addition to gardens, window boxes, and homes, bringing a splash of colour, enchanting fragrances, and a flurry of wildlife activity. expert Sarah Raven suggests that an annual trim can significantly enhance your lavender's bloom and prevent it from becoming an unsightly woody tangle.

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Sarah's golden rule for pruning is to start cutting right after the blooms have faded, advising: "Remove shoots to within one inch (2cm) of the previous year's growth." Meanwhile, devotees of cleaning sensation have been sharing their insights on giving lavender a late-season prune in October. In one such fan group, gardener Jean Algeo sought advice, posting: "Hi, can I ask for advice on pruning back a lovely lavender plant please."

She detailed her dilemma: "It has grown over the driveway and onto the path. How far back should it be pruned and is it okay to do it now? Thanks for your help." Jean turned to for some guidance in early October last year, and her query about the best time to prune lavender was met with a flood of responses from fellow enthusiasts, all urging her to "cut back now", reports .

Dawn Eveasham weighed in with her gardening expertise, suggesting: "Cut back now to just above where it has gone woody, any new shoots I cut can be put in a glass of water to root for next year." Echoing Dawn's proposal, Alison Plastow contributed: "Cut back now. Once flowered. They don't last forever. But keeping them trimmed they can last longer."

Adding to the collective wisdom, Kate Noble advised: "I cut mine back to the main plant, to all the flower stalks." Louise Cracknell also shared her two pence, recommending: "Don't go into the woody stalks and it will come back great." Doreen Byrne suggested: "Cut some back and put in a vase in bathroom."

Lisa Heathcote then offered a more detailed approach, declaring: "Yes do it now. Cut all the flower stalks off and half of the green leaves. Try not to go into the brown dead-looking stuff." Elaine Seeley said succinctly: "Cut it right back!" While this group offered their advice, it turns out there are optimal times for lavishly pruning your lavender.

Experts say twice yearly, post bloom in autumn and before growth starts anew in spring. Leigh Clapp recommended a careful trim strategy: "Trim after flowering in autumn, then prune in the spring." It's a nifty bit of wisdom that could save your delicate fragrant bushes from the harsh chill as secateurs-wielding enthusiasts take note to avoid cutting the lavender back too fiercely post-summer.

If you missed out on trimming your lavender during the summer, particularly the tender varieties like French, Spanish and Italian lavenders, it's best to wait until spring for optimal results. However, English lavender can still be pruned in October. When spring pruning comes around, ensure you only trim your lavender plants once new growth has appeared. Cutting your lavender at the right place is crucial for its healthy growth and prosperity.

Trim the plant just above the side branches or lead nodes. The area where you're cutting should be green. It's generally not advised to cut into the woody part of the plant.