Features of the growth of odorous lavender contribute to the fact that over time it turns into a sloppy, sprawling and loose bush. In essence, this process cannot be avoided, but there is a way how to give the bush a regular shape so that it is a decoration of a flower bed.
The leader in the production of lavender oil is Bulgaria. Annually 120 thousand tons are produced here, while in France - only 30 thousand tons.
Spring pruning of lavender is done to rejuvenate the flower, give the desired shape and to prevent exposure of the rhizome. The thing is that the flower quickly gains height and begins to spread, while the middle is revealed, which does not fit very well into the overall design of the garden. Subject to recommendations and pruning rules, this process can be controlled.
Spring pruning rules
Once warm weather has set, without winds, rains and other precipitation, you should conduct an inspection of lavender. After wintering, you can find elongated, thin branches that need to be removed. They can break and harm the plant. These requirements should be followed, but then everything depends on the desired result.
Forming Cut
If the lavender bush is strong and grows on the site for more than a year, every spring it should be occupied with its shape. To do this, it is recommended to shorten the length of the branches by a third or even half, while adhering to the same level. You can also cut to lignified parts, if the height of the bush allows it. A healthy flower has enough strength to restore growth and even give new shoots. However, do not cut too much. At the very least, lavender will not bloom or give a color much later, but at the maximum, the bush will die.
Density Trimming
If the purpose of spring pruning is to obtain a thick and voluminous crown, then it is necessary:
- To clear the top of lavender from dried peduncles.
- Remove thin and dried branches.
- Carry out selective trimming of branches that stand out from the total mass.
This procedure stimulates the emergence of new shoots. With this pruning, the flower is activated to restore normal life, stretching the soil and useful trace elements. After that, at the place of the cut, new buds are formed and new shoots appear at the top, which are not recommended to be cut. Crohn becomes noticeably thicker and more magnificent.
Residents of France, Italy and Spain add dried lavender to salads, sauces, meat when frying and even soups. But in the USA, flower powder is used instead of black pepper.
If you need to trim an overly mature lavender bush, it is important not to overdo it. With large plants, the risk of death after too drastic shortening increases. It is recommended to cut half of the flower branches, leaving about 10 cm from the root. After new shoots appear, the second half is cut off. Such a slightly strange method contributes to an even distribution of lavender power to restore life. It is important not to conduct this event in hot weather.
If you ignore the spring pruning, the lavender stalks become solid and the visual appeal is lost. Do not be afraid and neglect pruning. The implementation of these activities on a regular basis contributes to the formation of compact bushes and abundant flowering.
