Phenomenal Lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) is a robust hybrid, celebrated for its adaptability across diverse climates. This variety stands out with its vibrant purple blooms on long, slender spikes and its distinctively aromatic, gray-green foliage. It is resilient to cold, heat, and humidity, making it a popular selection for many gardeners. Typically, Phenomenal Lavender grows to a height of 24 to 32 inches and spreads similarly, forming an attractive, mounded shape in the landscape.
Why and When to Prune Phenomenal Lavender
Pruning Phenomenal Lavender offers several benefits, promoting the plant’s health and enhancing its display. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and a more compact form, preventing the plant from becoming leggy or developing an overly woody structure. This practice also improves air circulation within the plant, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Additionally, pruning stimulates the production of more abundant blooms and can extend the plant’s overall lifespan.
The timing of pruning depends on the desired outcome for your lavender plant. For light pruning or deadheading, the ideal time is after the first flush of flowers has faded, usually in mid to late summer. This encourages the plant to produce a second round of blooms later in the season. For more significant shaping or rejuvenation, pruning is best done in late summer or early fall, at least six weeks before the first hard frost. Alternatively, prune in early to mid-spring once new growth begins to emerge. Waiting until new growth appears in spring helps ensure you avoid cutting into dead wood.
How to Prune Phenomenal Lavender
Proper pruning techniques are essential for maintaining the vigor and appearance of Phenomenal Lavender. Begin by gathering the right tools: clean, sharp bypass pruners are suitable for individual stems, while hedge shears can make quicker work of larger plants. Always disinfect your tools before use to prevent the spread of plant diseases.
For light pruning, also known as deadheading, simply snip off the spent flower stalks. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into flowering, encouraging subsequent blooms. Make cuts just above a set of healthy leaves or new shoots to promote fresh growth.
When performing maintenance pruning to shape the plant, aim to remove about one-third of the plant’s overall size. Focus on cutting into the green, leafy stems, typically two to three inches above where the stem starts to become woody. As you prune, try to shape the plant into a rounded, dome-like mound, which promotes uniform growth and good air circulation. Making cuts at a slight angle can also help water drain away, further reducing disease risk.
Rejuvenation pruning for older, woodier plants requires careful consideration. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems that lack green leaves, as new growth rarely emerges from this old wood. If a plant has become excessively woody and bare in the center, it may be beyond effective rejuvenation and might need replacement. However, if you attempt to rejuvenate a very woody plant, it is often a gradual process over several years, cutting back by a third or half at a time, always ensuring that viable green leaves remain on the stems you cut.
After Pruning Care for Phenomenal Lavender
Following pruning, a few simple care steps will help your Phenomenal Lavender recover and continue to thrive. While lavender generally prefers drier conditions, you may water the plant if the soil is notably dry after pruning. It is important to avoid overwatering, as lavender is susceptible to root issues in soggy soil.
Phenomenal Lavender does not typically require heavy fertilization. It naturally performs well in lean soil, so excessive nutrients can be detrimental. If you choose to provide any nutrients, a light top dressing of compost around the plant’s base is generally sufficient and can nourish the soil over time. After pruning, consistently monitor your plant for signs of new growth, which indicates a healthy recovery, and observe for any signs of stress.