Lavender pruning?

[Tilly2]

I have several lavender plants which were put in last year. They have almost finished flowering now. Do I cut back the whole 'bush' or do I just cut off the flower stalks?
I don't want them to grow big and straggly but I don't want to ruin them by cutting them right back and possibly killing them.

[rockyracoon]

I saw a great video on Youtube about this a couple of years ago put on there by a commercial grower. I'll try to find it. I do remember that the plant had to be pruned right back hard so as to not get woody a d encourage the soft stems for next seasons flowers.

[Tilly2]

Thank you rocky. The reason I wondered about cutting them right back is because they are young plants. I wondered if I need to let them get established first.

[rockyracoon]

This is quite informative Tilly, it says to start from young plants. I'm still trying to find the video, there are hundreds on there about pruning lavender...who knew! ;)

http://www.lavenderenchantment.com/index.htm

[whiskeryron]

Lavender bushes should be pruned back one-third every year during the winter season while the plant is dormant, which will allow the lavender to fill out even more the following season.

WR.

[Tilly2]

Thank you both. I've looked at that website, rocky. It's very good.

[wendilla]

Thank for putting that question up Tilly as I have one that needs pruning back .

[Mrsspagnoli57]

I've just moved mine(bought last year but getting choked by bindweed-a horrendous problem for us) and I will be wanting to prune mine back as well so glad that you posted it.

[hammerman]

Just cut the flowers off....generally lavenders hate being pruned.