Lavender Care & Pruning Guide

by Maureen Williams

Advice obtained from “Bleu Lavande”, the lavender fields in Fitch Bay, Quebec. Their recommendations are based on several years of experience with a variety of cultivars. Keep in mind that Fitch Bay is zone 4-5, while we are 5b.

Cultivar Selection

  • Munstead & Hidcote: Flowers early July to mid-August
  • English, Lavadin de Provence & Grosso: Blooms 3rd week of July to September

Watering Rules

Water well the first year, allowing the soil to dry between watering. Once established, water only in a drought. Lavender does not like wet feet.

Pruning Steps

  • Post-Bloom Trim (Late Summer/Early Autumn): Once the lavender has finished blooming and the flowers have dried, you must trim the plant. Using sharp, clean scissors cut all the stems right back to the leaves, shaping the plant into a rounded ball.
  • Spring Light Shaping (Early Spring): Cut back lightly to where it is starting to leaf out, removing any part that has dried.

Did You Know?

  • Soil: Lavender will grow in most soil types, though Kingston clay is likely on the least favorite list. Light soil, well-drained, even rocky is ideal. In rich soil you will likely get lots of leaf but few flowers. If you have heavy wet soil, try planting in a mound.
  • Planting: Lavender does not like to be crowded by other plants – a 24″ radius is recommended.
  • Protection: 3-4 inches of straw is recommended for guaranteed winter protection.