How to prune spike lavender

After main summer bloom; light tidy in early spring. Shear back by one-third into the leafy green growth after flowering. Do not cut into old woody stems. In spring, trim just the tips to remove frost-killed growth and stimulate new shoots.

Annually, with a secondary light tidy in spring. Spike lavender is a naturally tall, open species that benefits from annual trimming to prevent legginess. Cut back by about one-third after the main summer bloom to encourage a second flush and to keep the plant from becoming woody. A light spring trim removes winter damage.

Shear back by one-third into the leafy green growth after flowering. Do not cut into old woody stems. In spring, trim just the tips to remove frost-killed growth and stimulate new shoots.