5 Common Lavender Pruning Mistakes

1. Not Pruning at All

Leaving lavender untouched for years allows stems to become increasingly woody and sprawling.

A little pruning every year is much easier than attempting major renovation later.

2. Cutting Into Bare Wood

This is the biggest mistake.

If there are no green leaves or shoots below your cut, that stem may struggle to regrow.

3. Pruning Too Late Before Winter

Heavy pruning shortly before freezing weather can leave the plant more vulnerable.

In cold climates, save major pruning for a safer period.

4. Only Cutting Off the Flowers

Deadheading is useful, but cutting only the flower heads doesn’t maintain the shrub’s compact shape.

Shorten some of the leafy stems as well.

5. Overfeeding After Pruning

Lavender isn’t a heavy feeder.

Large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer can encourage soft leafy growth rather than the sturdy, compact growth you want.

Lavender generally performs best in relatively lean, well-drained conditions.

Pruning lavender correctly isn’t about cutting as much as possible. It’s about pruning a moderate amount every year so you never need to make drastic cuts later.