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How to stop lavender spreading outwards?

From attached photos, my lavenders kept spreading outwards. Planted in the corner of garden and property in corner of street. I made sure not over watering and not letting it too dry either. What should I do? Pull out and plant new ones? But new ones might be in same problem spreading outwards, so heavy going outwards that even breaking the roots ! It's Princess variety from Bunnings. See photos

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EricL

Hello @MYC

Thanks for sharing your question about your lavenders. Your Princess Lavender is showing a common issue where the plants become woody and start spreading outwards, eventually breaking at the base. This happens when they put on a lot of soft new growth at the tips while the older, woody stems weaken and fail to support the weight. Since your plants are already breaking at the roots, it may be best to remove them and start fresh. However, to prevent the same problem with new ones, a few key steps will help keep them compact and healthy.

Regular pruning is essential to maintaining a neat shape. After each flowering, trim back about a third of the soft new growth, but avoid cutting into the old woody stems, as they rarely resprout. This encourages dense growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy.

When replanting, consider raising the soil slightly to improve drainage. Lavenders thrive in well-drained, sandy soil, so planting them on a small mound can help prevent root issues. Spacing is also important—if they are too crowded or pressed against a corner, they will naturally lean outward in search of space and light.

Avoid overfeeding with fertiliser or overly rich compost, as too much nutrition can cause rapid, weak growth. Lavender prefers lean, slightly dry soil with good air circulation around the roots.

If this variety continues to have issues, you might consider planting a sturdier type, such as a French lavender, which tends to hold its shape better over time. With the right care, your new plants should stay compact and thrive in your garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MYC

Hi Eric, thank you so much for your reply with helpful advice and suggestions. From the photos, if replace with French lavenders, should I put 2 or 1 lavenders? Currently that space have 2.

Also, please explain why not prune the old wood? With rises we remive dead dry branch, but not with Lavenders??

Thanks again

Miriam (myc)

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49055#Comment_49055

Hello @MYC

I believe there is enough space for two plants. As I mentioned in my earlier reply, regular pruning is essential to maintaining a neat shape. After each flowering, trim back about a third of the soft new growth, but avoid cutting into the old woody stems, as they rarely resprout. The old woody stems do not generate new growth so there is no point in cutting them.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MYC

Thank you, Eric, for your always prompt reply. With Melbourne climate, when is the time to prune back? I usually pruned off the top of where the flowers dead or wither, but somehow the spread outwards still the same problem. Today I checked, there are plenty of new green tips on the top ready for budding soon. I wonder if I dig it up and replant the branches (with any root) straight up? or just put in the pot whatever still growing ? Only the bottom parts are dead and spread downward and outwards. Not sure if I need to pull up and throw away??

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49089#Comment_49089

Hi @MYC,

In future, you'll want to trim back about one-third of the plant in late summer to early autumn after flowering. Avoid cutting into old wood, as lavender struggles to regrow from it.

You could certainly take a cutting to propagate, but you'll need to get it growing in a pot before transferring it into the ground. Take a 10-15cm cutting from a non-flowering branch, remove the lower 5cm of leaves, and place it in potting soil. Keep the soil moist and give it 4-6 weeks to develop roots before transferring it from the pot into the soil.

Allow me to tag @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any advice to offer.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

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