Is It Better Not To Divide Lavender?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:58 pm

Especially the large lavender varieties quickly overgrow the space allotted to him and spread in the garden. Many a desperate gardener comes up with the idea of dividing the lavender that has grown too large. But be careful: especially with older, woody plants, dividing can cause great damage and lead to the death of the lavender.

Lavendel teilen

Lavender: better to prune instead of divide


Lavender does not belong to the perennials – which are divisible – but to the shrubs. The plant becomes woody with age and usually does not sprout from this old wood – for this reason you should never cut back lavender too far. A lavender that is several years old and has grown too large is better shortened drastically. Feel free to prune the plant by half, but if possible, only cut away soft shoots. With a proper, round topiary, you also reduce the width of the plant.

Is It Better Not To Divide Lavender?

Divide lavender that has become too large
If pruning is of no use or if the lavender is clearly too large, you can still try dividing it. However, you should proceed carefully and, above all, do not damage the roots, otherwise the plant will die. However, this measure is usually no longer possible with heavily woody lavender plants. When dividing, proceed as follows:

  • Dig up the lavender to be divided along with the root ball.
  • If possible, do not damage the roots.
  • Younger plants usually survive a division better.
  • Take a close look at the plant and determine the best way to cut it.
  • Cut the lavender along this path with a sharp, clean knife.
  • Be sure not to prune the taproot in the process.
  • Do not touch the cuts with your fingers and seal them with a tree resin.
  • Otherwise, pathogens or fungi can enter and cause infection.
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Lavender for propagation better not divide


If you only want to propagate your lavender, division is too risky and therefore unsuitable. Cuttings or cuttings are much more suitable for propagation, although some lavender species, such as sterile lavandin, can actually only be multiplied using these methods. The right time for cuttings propagation is spring (no more frosts should be expected) as well as early summer.

Tips & Tricks
Not all lavender varieties can be propagated by seed. Only the true lavender often sows itself and runs wild in this way.

Author

  • James Jones

    Meet James Jones, a passionate gardening writer whose words bloom with the wisdom of an experienced horticulturist. With a deep-rooted love for all things green, James has dedicated his life to sharing the art and science of gardening with the world. James's words have found their way into countless publications, and his gardening insights have inspired a new generation of green thumbs. His commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship shines through in every article he crafts.

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