Can lavender be pruned in October?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Trimming lavender in October is a recipe for disaster as far as your plants are concerned. I learned this the hard way after losing several bushes from an early frost. Fresh cuts in fall don't heal before the cold arrives. Frost can get into those wounds and kill the stems from the inside. Damage often appears months later as dead branches.
Frost Damage Mechanism
- Water in stems expands when frozen
- Ice crystals rupture plant cells
- Damaged vascular tissue can't transport nutrients
- Dieback spreads downward from cut points
Recovery Attempts
- Wrap damaged stems with burlap immediately
- Apply horticultural wax to seal large wounds
- Avoid watering until ground freezes
- Mark affected plants for spring evaluation
For cold areas, complete summer pruning by early September. I use calendar reminders in late August for tasks, so cuts have 6-8 weeks to heal before diesel. I also stay tuned to local frost predictions. An unexpected cold snap (anything lower than 20°F/-6°C) will necessitate emergency protection in plants. If vulnerable plants are covered, cover with breathable fabric overnight.
Alternative care substitutes for October pruning. I clean up plants by removing fallen leaves from their bases. This improves airflow to plants without cutting. Apply thin layers of organic mulch to insulate roots. Never fertilize in the fall. It prompts new growth, which is dangerously stimulating, and water only during prolonged drought.
Spring unveils damage from October's pruning. Check for blackened stems with no buds. I have cut back to healthy green growth. In extreme cases, replacement is needed. To prevent this from happening again, avoid pruning when a winter freeze is forecasted. Your lavender thrives with ultra-summer growth.
Read the full article: When to Prune Lavender for Best Results
