Autumnal English Garden Overflows with Flowers & Fruit! Pruning,Trimming, Dividing Out Of Season, by Apple Pea Fern Sea on YouTube. 32 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 32 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check the plant first. Scrape a little bark near the base. If the wood under it is brown and soft, the lavender has root rot and pruning will not save it.
If the plant is healthy, cut back the flower stems and about a third of the soft green growth in early autumn. Leave the woody base alone.
For a rotting plant, dig around the root ball with a fork and lift the whole shrub out. Shake off the soil.
Clear the hole of old roots and soil. Bin the diseased plant rather than adding it to compost.
Improve drainage before replanting. Mix grit or compost into the hole so water drains away from the roots.
Plant a disease-resistant replacement such as Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sterling Silver'. Firm it in and water well.
Space new plants so air moves between them. Crowded, damp beds are where root rot starts.
Water new plants through their first dry spell, then ease off. Lavender and caryopteris dislike wet feet.
Tips and common mistakes
Never cut lavender back into bare old wood. It rarely regrows from there.
Autumn pruning is a risk in cold, wet areas. Wait until spring if your soil stays soggy.
Clean your secateurs between plants so you do not spread disease.
Do not replant lavender in the same spot where one rotted. Choose a different plant or a raised bed.
Questions
Can I save lavender with root rot by cutting it back?
No. Root rot kills the roots, so pruning only hides the problem. Dig the plant out and improve drainage before replanting.
When is the best time to prune lavender?
Late summer after flowering is ideal, or early spring. Light autumn trimming is fine in mild areas, but avoid hard cuts into old wood.
What can I plant instead of lavender?
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sterling Silver' is a good choice. It is a compact shrub with late blue flowers and it copes better with damp soil.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
