I have a humungous Lavender in my backyard. I have not idea how long it has been there, but it is taller than me and I am 6ft. About that wide too. I am not exaggerating.
It is out of control! I have no idea what to do with it, it is so woody. It just isn't very ornamental anymore at all. I would like to cut it back to a more managable size, but I'm not sure how to do that without killing it. Poor thing.
Ideas?
Help! Pruning Lavender?
I think DeBaggio's suggests cutting branches back by 1/3 to 1/2 in early spring, just before new growth starts forming. Older, scraggly, or dead looking branches can simply be pruned out to open up the structure a little bit for better air flow. This has worked find with my fairly young lavender hedge, but my plants are nowhere near the size of the one you are describing. I guess I would suggest that you not cut it so far back that no vigorous looking growth remains. You may have to trim it down in stages, even over a few years.... cut it back hard, let it recover, then cut it back hard again.
Is Sultan in the temperate rain forest area of Washington? I've been to the coastal part of the state, and I couldn't get over how huge some of the plants grew!
I would love to see a picture of such a huge lavender plant! It is one of my favorite perennials.
Yeah, what eileenmlamb said!
~* Robin
I would love to post a pic, but my camera's USB cable got sucked on my a toddler and isn't working. I'm hoping to get a new one soon.
It has a woody trunk now. I am so torn between the risk of cutting it hard and just letting it go as it is. It's the first thing you notice in the backyard! I'll try cutting it back in stages as suggested. Will it come from the root? Or from existing growth?
Yes, Sultan is in the temperate rain forest area. We get a little less rain here, though. I am closer to the Casade side. The thing that got me when I first moved here was the ferns that grew right out of the trees and the fact my neighbor had moss for a lawn. I moved here from the desert in Utah. It was quite a shock!
Could you send me some of your 'humungous Lavender'?
I'd love to be able to make some Relaxation/Sleepy Dream Pillows.
~* Robin
I has finished its blooming now. Does that matter to you? It still smells nice though! I was out weeding underneath it today and it was heavenly.