Lavender plants are a popular feature in British gardens, offering colour and scent – but they need light care throughout the year – including a light trim in late February or early March

Lavender plants are not only a beautiful addition to any garden with their vibrant colour and strong scent that doubles as a pest repellent, but they’re also easy to grow and maintain.

These shrubs are particularly popular in British gardens due to their ability to flourish in full sun and resist drought.

However, despite their hardiness, they do require some maintenance throughout the year to stay in top condition.

Over time, lavender can become leggy and woody, losing its appeal, which is why regular trimming is essential.

Most gardening gurus advise pruning lavender in late summer to clear away dead flowers and foliage once the blooming period has ended.

Yet, an expert from Ashridge Nurseries has suggested on their blog that a “light trim” can also be done in late February or early March, ideally before March progresses too far.

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This early trim prepares the plant for a bountiful summer bloom, as stated by the experts: “This is the trim that tidies up your plants for summer and encourages lots of flowers.”

It’s crucial, however, that gardeners avoid cutting into the woody stems, as lavenders struggle to regenerate from old wood

When undertaking this early-year prune, it’s best to do so either while the plant is still dormant in winter or when new green shoots appear.

During the summer pruning session, it’s safe to cut back more vigorously, up to two-thirds of the plant’s height. Regardless of the season, using sharp and clean tools for pruning is key to preventing disease and ensuring a neat cut.

Ensure you’re cutting at a downward angle. This allows rainwater to run off and helps prevent any potential infection or disease. Lavenders that are potted often grow more abundantly, so they may need a bit more frequent pruning.