Dividing lavender isn’t quite as straightforward as it is with other garden favorites. If you go about it the wrong way, you could actually put the plant’s health at risk. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right so you can safely move a piece of your lavender to a new spot in your yard.
Why Dividing Lavender Can Be Tricky
First things first: lavender is technically a sub-shrub, not a perennial. While most perennials are a breeze to split, shrubs come with their own set of rules. As lavender gets older, the base of the plant becomes “woody.” The tricky part? New growth won’t sprout from that old, hard wood. This is a golden rule to keep in mind whenever you’re pruning or caring for your lavender.
If your lavender has simply grown too large and you’re thinking of dividing it just to cut the size in half, you might want to reconsider. A strategic pruning is usually a much safer bet for the plant’s survival. In fact, keeping up with regular shaping is the best way to ensure your lavender stays gorgeous and healthy year after year.
How to Divide Lavender the Right Way
If you do decide to divide, there are two big “don’ts.” First, never cut the plant back entirely into the woody parts, or it will struggle to grow back. Second, be extremely careful with the roots; damaging them too much can be a death sentence for the plant. Keep in mind that younger plants handle division much better than old, established ones.
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Carefully dig up the plant, making sure to keep the root ball intact.
- Decide where you want to make your split.
- Use a sharp saw or a clean knife to separate the two halves.
- Be very careful not to cut the main taproots.
- Seal the “wounds” or cut surfaces on the plant with grafting wax or tree resin.
If you were just trying to downsize, you can compost the other half—but why waste it? You can transplant it to a new home in your garden! Just make sure the new spot has the right conditions for lavender to thrive.
