Lavender

[237SJ]

Whenever I grow lavender (even dwarf lavender) it goes woody really quickly. I have just pulled up a couple of plants that have been down for about 4 years because they were woody and had collapsed onto the lawn. Sometimes, I see lavender in peoples` gardens which is really compact and round in shape which is what I would like. Has anyone got any suggestions as to varieties? I know I could ask at the garden centre but won`t be able to get there for a while.

[woofgang]

You have to be really really disciplined in pruning it as soon as the flowers are over. cut off most of the new growth, don't cut into the old wood. lavender doesn't live long anyway, as much as you try, it will get leggy and need replacing eventually

[237SJ]

Thanks woofgang. Maybe I didn`t look after it properly. There is a walled garden a mile or so down the road from here and there are benches situated in the middle of lots of lavender plants. When you sit there, it`s like sitting in a purple cloud. I would love to have lavender like that but maybe it takes a lot of looking after which I have neither the time nor inclination for.

[237SJ]

Here`s a picture of it
https://www.flickr.com/photos/47071837@N02/4753225748/in/set-72157623633543498

[grasscarp]

Funny to see this today as when in garden earlier started removing bits of my lavender bush that are obviously dead. Didn't know it needed to be cut back. Probably beyond redemption now (a bit like myself).

[Tilly2]

I have a lot of lavender in my garden, I love it. I leave the flower heads on until Spring because the finches like the seeds. When the winter is over, I cut mine right back but leave some leaves on. It then springs back to life in Spring.
I cut all mine back at the end of February.

[237SJ]

Tilly, when you say that you cut it right back, do you just cut the growth off or do you cut the woody bits down (assuming it`s gone woody) as well?

[lyall]

My lavender is the child of an illegal plant. 40 years ago my sister went on a school foreign exchange to France and came back with 2 lavender plants smuggled in her socks! I have no idea what variety but she was in the region they grow things for the perfume industry. Don’t know if it helps here are pictures from last year, 1st one from end of June and the 2nd one beginning of August. http://i57.tinypic.com/2a0nvde.jpg http://i59.tinypic.com/2a4ww85.jpg

Try you tube for advice on cutting back are numerous examples.