From Unruly to Regal: A Guide to Lavender Transplanting and Pruning

Taming the Lavender Beast: A Guide to Transplanting and Pruning

Lavender, with its intoxicating fragrance and vibrant purple blooms, is a beloved addition to any garden. But what happens when this charming perennial decides to stage a hostile takeover? This is the story of many gardeners and their unruly lavender. This article will guide you through the process of transplanting and pruning your overgrown lavender, reclaiming your garden space, and restoring your plant to its former glory.

Recognizing the Problem: When Lavender Gets Out of Hand

Lavender, especially varieties like Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin), can become quite large and woody over time. While this is often a sign of a healthy plant, it can also lead to several problems:

• Overcrowding: A mature lavender bush can easily sprawl, taking up valuable garden space and potentially smothering neighboring plants. This is particularly true if the plant hasn’t been pruned regularly.
• Loss of Shape: Without proper pruning, lavender can become leggy and misshapen, losing its attractive, compact form.
• Reduced Bloom Production: An overgrown lavender plant may produce fewer flowers, as the energy is diverted to vegetative growth.
• Invasion of other plants: Lavender can sometimes become aggressive, especially if it has mint in it’s company

Assessing the Situation: Is Transplanting Necessary?

Before you grab your spade, take a moment to assess the situation. Consider the following factors:

• Size of the Plant: How large has your lavender become? Is it truly overwhelming its surroundings?
• Overall Health: Is the plant healthy, or are there signs of disease or pest infestation? Transplanting a stressed plant can be challenging.
• Desired Location: Are you moving the lavender to a more suitable spot, or simply trying to manage its size in its current location?

If your lavender is indeed taking over, misshapen, or in a location that no longer suits its needs, transplanting is a viable solution.

Preparing for the Move: Timing and Tools

Transplanting lavender, like any plant, is best done at the optimal time to minimize stress and encourage successful establishment. The best time to transplant lavender is in early spring or early autumn. These periods offer moderate temperatures and allow the plant to establish its roots before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

Essential Tools:

• A sharp spade or shovel: For digging up the lavender and preparing the new planting hole.
• A garden fork: To loosen the soil and gently lift the root ball.
• Pruning shears or loppers: For trimming the lavender before and after transplanting.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Watering can or hose: For providing adequate water during and after transplanting.
• Wheelbarrow or tarp: To move the plant from one place to another.

The Transplanting Process: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the New Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Lavender thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) and dislikes overly wet conditions. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the lavender’s root ball and just as deep.
2. Pre-Prune the Lavender: Before you dig, give the lavender a light pruning. This will help to reduce stress on the plant by reducing the amount of foliage it needs to support. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half of its size. This might seem drastic, but it encourages new growth and helps the plant establish more quickly in its new location. The goal is to create a balanced shape that will remain aesthetically pleasing and functional after the transplant.
3. Dig Up the Lavender: Using your spade or shovel, carefully dig around the lavender, creating a circle that extends beyond the plant’s drip line (the outermost reach of its branches). The further out you dig, the more of the root system you will preserve.
4. Loosen the Root Ball: Once you’ve dug a trench around the plant, use your garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift the root ball. Be careful not to damage the roots, which can be fragile. If the lavender has been in place for many years, the root ball may be quite dense. Persevere, and work your way around to carefully remove the root system from the soil.
5. Lift and Move: Once the root ball is loosened, carefully lift the lavender out of the ground. You may need assistance, especially if the plant is large. Place the lavender in a wheelbarrow or on a tarp for transport.
6. Plant in the New Location: Place the lavender in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
7. Post-Transplant Care: After transplanting, water the lavender regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Monitor the plant for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch away from the stem.

Dealing with Mint: A Companion or a Competitor?

Mint can be a blessing or a curse in the garden. While it has a pleasant scent, it is notoriously invasive. If your lavender has mint growing in its space, you have a couple of options:

1. Embrace the Combination: If you like the way the mint looks and the aroma of the two plants together, you can allow the mint to stay. Keep in mind that mint is a spreader, so you’ll need to monitor its growth to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the lavender.
2. Separate the Plants: If you prefer to keep the lavender and mint separate, you’ll need to carefully remove the mint during the transplanting process. Mint spreads through underground runners, so it’s important to dig up as much of the root system as possible. You can also plant the mint in a container to prevent it from spreading.

Pruning for Health and Beauty: The Ongoing Maintenance

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your lavender. The frequency and extent of pruning depend on the age and variety of your plant. Here’s a general guide:

• After Flowering: The ideal time to prune lavender is immediately after the flowering season, typically in late summer or early autumn. This allows the plant time to regrow before the winter. Cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half of its size, removing the spent flower stems and any dead or straggly growth.
• Light Pruning: In early spring, you can perform a light pruning to remove any dead or damaged growth that may have occurred over the winter. This is also a good time to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
• Avoid Pruning into Old Wood: Be careful not to cut into the old, woody parts of the plant, as this can prevent new growth. Always prune above a set of green leaves or buds.

Beyond the Lavender: Appreciating the Spring Bloom

While we are focused on the unruly lavender bush, it’s important to also pause and appreciate the beauty that other spring blooms provide. Crocus, narcissus, and primroses are popular choices that can add early color and cheer to your garden. If you’re happy with your giant planters full of these beautiful flowers, be proud. The best part of gardening is enjoying the fruits (and flowers!) of your labor.

The Artificial Lawn: A Practical Solution

Finally, let’s address the topic of artificial grass, which is often a controversial topic among gardeners. In this case, the artificial grass serves a practical purpose: protecting the lawn from the wear and tear of children playing around a trampoline. While artificial grass has its downsides, it’s understandable that you’d choose it to maintain some semblance of a lawn and ensure that the trampoline area doesn’t become a mud pit. There’s no shame in prioritizing your family’s needs. If it helps you enjoy your garden more, then it is a valid choice.