This dramatically changes the dynamic of the garden especially in the main Lavender bed close to the house. For months, the Lavender has created drifts of differing colours and hues. Once cut back the garden shifts to a more architectural feel and the underlying structure and framework of the planting is laid bare. I quite like this change but then again I do fall on the side of order and symmetry.
But I confess that the one question I am asked more than any other about the Lavender we grow is how to prune it. There appears to be a real fear associated with pruning Lavender but once understood, it is a simple process. Like most plants, Lavender responds well to hard pruning. Cut them now and they have time to put on new growth (around 3cm or so) which will quickly appear and help them through the coming Winter. I cut right back the new growth but not into the old wood. I try to create a ball or globe shape and it has to be said that some Lavender forms this shape quite naturally especially the x intermedia varieties. Others seem to want to grow quite leggy but the same pruning principle applies. Get a globe shape in your mind's eye and prune back to it keeping some new growth from which the plant will regenerate.
I suspect that there are two fundamental reasons why people struggle to grow Lavender. The first is that they do not keep on top of the pruning and the plant gets woody. It is essential that you keep on top of this pruning regime each and every year. The second reason is slightly more fundamental and that is the soil type and conditions of your garden. Lavender loves really sharp draining, poor soil conditions with full sun and an open aspect. They hate being shaded out and do not do well in a conventional herbaceous border.
At Ordnance House we are on a hill with a poor chalky soil and are entirely open to the sun all day. Lavender just loves it here. It you have a north facing site on clay and have a soggy soil that gets cold in Winter, do not plant out Lavender. That is not to say you cannot have Lavender for if you have an area which does get some sun, then why not try planting up some pots. I have planted many pots with all sorts of Lavender, some quite rare which I treat as specimens. Call it a collection if you will. But Lavender does well in pots. It does need watering so do not think you can just plant it in a pot and leave it, it will need a water around once a week but will do well and thrive in the sharp draining conditions. Just make sure you use lots of grit.
So there is always a place for a Lavender plant in every garden. Enjoy the colour, enjoy the scent and enjoy the bees and butterflies that are attracted to it.
