When to plant Lavender in the UK

Plant rooted cuttings or young plants around early May to late May in a sheltered, sunny spot. Set them at the same depth they were growing before, and firm the soil gently so the roots make good contact. Water in thoroughly straight away.

Keep the plants just moist through mid-May to mid-July, checking them in dry spells. Water at the base rather than over the foliage, and stop once the plants are clearly rooted and making new growth.

Remove faded flower spikes from mid-June to late October to keep the plant tidy and extend the display. Cut back to a side shoot or just above fresh growth, but do not cut into old bare wood.

Prune straight after flowering from early August to late August. Trim the green growth back lightly to keep a neat mound, but always leave some leafy growth on each stem because lavender will not reshoot from old wood.

Tidy the plant from early October to late November by removing dead flower stalks and any damaged growth. Leave the woody framework in place, and do not hard cut the shrub back.