Although woody lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a low-maintenance plant, it benefits from an annual pruning. Pruning not only keeps the plant tidy, but also encourages new growth and flowering.
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Woody Lavender Basics
Woody lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a type of lavender that is characterized by its woody stems. It is a drought-tolerant plant that produces fragrant flowers. You can prune woody lavender to keep it looking its best. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to prune your woody lavender.
What is Woody Lavender?
Woody Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also known as French lavender, is a compact shrub that is common in Southern France. The plant gets its name from its woody stem, which is covered in a dense layer of gray-green leaves. The small, tubular flowers of the plant are typically purple or lavender in color, although they can also be white or pink. Woody lavender is highly fragrant and is often used in potpourri and perfumes.
Woody lavender is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun. It grows best in well-drained soil, although it will tolerate some clay. The plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and spread up to 4 feet wide. Woody lavender is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require much pruning, although it can be trimmed to shape if desired.
The Benefits of Woody Lavender
Woody lavender, also known as French lavender, is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. It is grown for its culinary and medicinal uses, as well as its strong, sweet-smelling fragrance. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for centuries.
Woody lavender has many benefits. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. It does not require much fertilizer or water once it is established. Woody lavender is also known for its ability to repel pests and rodents.
The plant can be used in a number of ways. The leaves and stems can be used to make teas, tinctures, or infusions. The flowers can be used to make syrups, oils, or potpourris. Woody lavender can also be added to savory dishes such as stews and soups.
When to Prune Woody Lavender
Woody lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a beautiful, fragrant plant that is perfect for use in dried arrangements. This shrub is easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of climates. pruning.
The Best Time of Year to Prune Woody Lavender
Pruning woody lavender is best done in early spring, before new growth begins. This gives the plant time to heal before summer heat sets in. Gardeners in colder climate zones may want to wait until late spring or early summer to prune, as plants may be more susceptible to frost damage immediately after pruning.
Lavender plants can tolerate heavy pruning, so don’t be afraid to cut back significantly if needed. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) can be done throughout the growing season, and should be done regularly to encourage new blooms.
How Often to Prune Woody Lavender
Woody lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant evergreen shrub. A native of the Mediterranean, woody lavender grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. The shrub’s telltale identifying feature is its long, dense spikes of purple flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. You can prune woody lavender any time of year except immediately after it blooms.
Pruning woody lavender regularly will keep the plant compact, full and healthy looking. The amount of pruning necessary depends on the overall health and vigor of your woody lavender plant. A strong, healthy plant that’s never been pruned may need very little shaping, while a neglected plant may require substantial renewal pruning to bring it back into shape.
How to Prune Woody Lavender
Woody lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is a beautiful, fragrant shrub that can add an elegant touch to any garden. Although it’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, it does need occasional pruning to keep it looking its best. In this article, we’ll show you how to prune woody lavender.
The Right Tools for the Job
Pruning shears are the best tool for pruning lavender, as they allow you to make clean, precise cuts that won’t damage the plant. A good pair of pruning shears should have sharp blades and comfortable handles that fit snugly in your hand.
Before you start pruning, sterilize your pruning shears by wiping the blades with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will help prevent the spread of disease from one plant to another.
The Right Technique for Pruning Woody Lavender
Pruning is essential to the health and growth of woody lavender, and also to the plant’s ability to produce larger, more abundant flowers. While the basic principles of pruning are the same for all plants, there are a few specific techniques you’ll need to use when pruning woody lavender.
First, you’ll need to choose the right time of year to prune. Early spring is generally the best time, as it allows the plant time to recover from its pruning before the hot summer months begin. You’ll also want to make sure that your pruning tools are sharp and clean, as this will help prevent infection and promote healing.
When you’re ready to start pruning, begin by removing any dead or diseased branches. Cut these branches back to healthy tissue, making sure to disinfect your pruning tool after each cut. Next, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as these can damage the bark and lead to infection. Finally, thin out the lavender bush by removing a few of the oldest branches near the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and help keep your bush full and healthy.
What to Do With the Cuttings
After you have pruned your woody lavender, you may be wondering what to do with the cuttings. You can compost them, use them to make herbal vinegar, or use them to make a lavender wreath. Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
Using Woody Lavender Cuttings for Propagation
Woody lavender cuttings can be taken from new growth that has hardened off, or from semi-ripe wood that is just beginning to turn brown at the tips. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm.) piece of stem. The cutting should include 2-3 sets of leaves.
Cuttings can be taken from spring through early summer. If using semi-ripe wood, make sure that the cutting includes some green, living tissue. Cuttings taken from dead wood will not root.
Once you have your cutting, strip off the lower leaves so that only the upper leaves remain. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or gel and then plant it in a pot filled with moistened perlite, vermiculite or sand. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or propagation dome to create a humid environment and place it in bright indirect light.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy and wait patiently for your cutting to take root, which could take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Once roots have developed, you can transplant your new lavender plant into a larger pot or into the garden.
Using Woody Lavender Cuttings for Crafts
Woody lavender can be used for a variety of crafts, such as wreaths, centerpieces, and dried arrangements. The key to using woody lavender for crafts is to find a way to make the stems more pliable. One way to do this is to soak the cuttings in water for a few days before using them. This will help to make the stems more pliable and easier to work with. Another way to make woody lavender stems more pliable is to place them in a vase with warm water and allow them to sit for a few hours. Either method should make the woody lavender stems more pliable and easier to work with for crafting purposes.
