Lavender is a popular herb prized for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. With its gray-green leaves and tall spikes of tubular purple pink or blue blooms lavender makes a beautiful addition to any garden. Many gardeners wonder if they can propagate more lavender plants by dividing or separating existing plants. So can you separate lavender plants? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Lavender Plants
Lavender belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae and includes over 40 different species. The most common types grown are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas).
Lavender has a shrubby habit, growing 1-3 feet tall and wide. The slender green leaves are deliciously fragrant when crushed From late spring through early summer, lavender produces spikes of fragrant flowers on long stems The blooms come in shades of purple, blue, pink and white depending on variety.
In ideal growing conditions, lavender lives for 10-15 years. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Once established, lavender is quite drought tolerant. This aromatic herb can be grown as an annual in colder climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Challenges of Dividing Lavender
Many gardeners want to make more lavender plants from existing shrubs in their garden. So, can you divide lavender successfully? Unfortunately, propagating lavender by division comes with some challenges:
- Lavender has a taproot, so its root system does not readily divide.
- Older lavender plants often only have 1-2 main woody stems.
- Dividing the taproot and woody stems risks killing the parent plant.
- Lavender division has a lower success rate than other propagation methods like cuttings.
- Divided lavender transplants are prone to transplant shock.
- The best time to divide is spring or fall, not during warm weather.
Most lavender varieties resent being divided. The taproot and woody stems sustain damage during division. Transplants from division also take time to establish and many will die from the trauma. For all these reasons, most gardeners do not recommend division as a means of propagating lavender. Taking cuttings is a much better way to make more plants without disturbing the parent.
How to Divide Lavender Plants
If you wish to attempt dividing lavender, follow these tips:
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Select an overgrown lavender plant that is 3+ years old and declining in vigor. Avoid dividing young, healthy plants.
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Time it right by dividing in early spring as growth resumes or in fall after flowering Avoid summer division
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Prepare for transplanting by watering well before dividing and having pots and potting mix ready. Choose a sheltered spot for the transplants.
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Carefully dig up the entire lavender plant and shake off excess soil, keeping roots intact.
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With a sharp, clean knife, cut the plant into sections, ensuring each division has some roots and stems. Avoid shredding or damaging the roots.
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Plant divisions into pots using sterile potting mix. Gently firm the soil around the roots.
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Shelter transplants, providing shade and frequent watering for 1-2 weeks as they recover from division before gradually exposing them to sun and transplanting outside.
Caring for Divided Lavender Plants
To help divided lavender transplants establish, follow these aftercare tips:
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Shelter divisions in a shaded area at first.
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Use sterile potting mix and clean containers.
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Water frequently but avoid oversaturating the soil.
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Allow several weeks for root recovery before repotting or planting into the garden.
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Gradually harden off the divisions before planting them outside.
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Transplant into the garden into a sunny, well-draining location.
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Water regularly until new transplants are established.
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Avoid fertilizing newly divided plants.
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Watch for signs of transplant shock and provide attentive care.
With diligent aftercare, divided lavender may recover but it takes time. Maintain ideal growing conditions while the transplants establish new roots and shoots.
When to Divide Lavender
Watch for these signs that your overgrown, neglected lavender may benefit from division:
- Lower leaf loss and dieback in the center of the plant
- Less prolific flowering on old plants
- Overgrown, sparse lower foliage
- Woody buildup in old stems near the base
- Dead patches or browning leaves
- Plant collapse and hollowing out in the center
- Congested, cramped growth habit
A mature lavender plant, around 3+ years old, exhibiting these declining symptoms is a candidate for division. This gives the old plant a chance to start over. But cuttings are still a safer method of propagation.
Alternatives to Dividing Lavender
Since lavender division carries risks, consider these safer alternatives:
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Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer and root them in sterile potting mix.
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Start new plants from seed indoors for genetic diversity.
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Layer flexible stems by pinning them to the ground – they will root while still attached and can be separated later.
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Prune out old, woody stems at ground level to encourage fresh growth.
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Grow different lavender varieties so you always have young plants available for cuttings.
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Very carefully transplant small divisions, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Rather than put the parent plant at risk through division, use these lower stress methods to increase your lavender collection.
Results to Expect From Dividing Lavender
What happens when you divide lavender? Expect:
- High risk of losing the parent plant
- Slow rooting of divided sections
- 50% or less success rate
- Transplant shock symptoms like leaf wilt
- Reduced flowering the first season
- Slower growth rate of divisions
- Smaller size of divided plants
- Potential losses from transplant stress
- Divisions take time to return to mature size
Because of the poor outcomes, most gardeners avoid dividing lavender unless absolutely necessary. Removing a few older stems each year helps rejuvenate plants instead. Take cuttings from healthy lavenders to propagate new ones. Only divide as a last resort to rescue an overgrown, declining shrub.
Can you separate lavender plants? Technically yes, you can divide lavender to rejuvenate old, neglected plants. But the risks often outweigh the benefits. Lavender’s taproot and woody stems make division very difficult. For propagation, cuttings are a much better option than division. Only divide lavender as a last ditch effort to rescue a severely overgrown, declining shrub. Take great care with aftercare of divided transplants to help them recover from the trauma. With TLC, divided lavender may survive, but performance will be compromised that first season after dividing.
Taking Cuttings from Lavender (Layering Method)
- 1 Choose a small, young branch near the base of the lavender. For each cutting you plan to make, select a small branch attached to the outside base of the lavender plant. A young, bendable branch is required, or a branch growing horizontal just above the soil surface.
- There are several related methods of propagation referred to as “layering.” This one is simple and low-risk, but can be labor-intensive if you plan to create more than a few cuttings. Refer to the tips below if you want to turn your lavender plant into dozens of new cuttings instead.
- 2 Bury the middle of the branch in a shallow hole. Dig a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) hole in the soil, a short distance from the mother plant. Position this hole so you can bend the middle of the selected branch down into it, with the leaves and flowers at the end above ground on the other side of the hole.
- 3 Anchor the branch in place. Hold the branch in place with rocks or a bent stake to prevent it springing out of the hole. Bury the center of the branch in soil to fill the hole, leaving the flowering end above ground.
- 4 Keep the buried branch moist. Water the buried section occasionally, keeping it moist but not soggy. Take care not to let the soil dry out during hot summer months.
- Watering is not recommended while the plant is dormant for the winter.
- Mulch can help the soil retain water, but may cause plants to overheat during hot weather.
- 5 Dig up and cut the branch after at least three months of growing season. While you can begin this process any time, the branch may not develop a strong stem and roots until the growing season in spring and summer. After three or four months of growth, preferably as cool autumn weather begins, carefully dig around the buried branch to look for roots. If they are present and clumping the soil together, cut off the branch so all the roots are on the same piece as the flowering end.
- 6 Transplant the cutting as a new lavender plant. Move the cutting directly to its new location, moving the surrounding soil along with it to avoid damaging the roots. Keep the plant sheltered from wind until stronger roots develop, and care for it as you would any lavender plant.
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While lavender is fragile when it’s divided, if your plant is too large, mostly dead, or flowering less each year, it may be worth the risk to save it. Lavender plants are dormant during the winter, so wait until early spring to divide it. Plan to divide the plant so each new section has at least 3 to 5 growing stems coming up from the root base. Use a shovel to cut apart the root ball into the sections you want. As you prepare to plant your divided plants, dig holes that are twice as wide as the root ball and 12 inches deep. Put some enriched soil in the bottom of the hole, and plant each section in its own spot. Water the plant thoroughly to encourage new roots. For more tips from our Horticulturalist co-author, including how to take cuttings from lavender, keep reading!
How To Propagate Lavender Cuttings In Just 2 Minutes
FAQ
When can I split my lavender plant?
As for when to split up lavender, the ideal time would be fall or spring.Jan 24, 2023
Can you break off lavender and replant it?
Yes, as long as a lavender plant is in good health, it will grow back after you cut it. A good rule of thumb is to avoid cutting back more than 1/3 of a plant at a time to avoid stunting its growth.
Does lavender spread on its own?
How much is it likely to spread? Lavender is a small shrub that usually grows 20 to 24 inches tall and wide. The height includes the flower stalks, so when not in bloom, the foliage may be only a foot tall. The plant does not spread as thyme, oregano, and other herbs tend to.
What should not be planted next to lavender?
Heavy feeders: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other vegetables or flowers that need rich soil won’t benefit from the soil that lavender needs—and can leave lavender competing for nutrients. Acid-loving plants: Lavender prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH (around 6.5 to 7.5).
Can you split a lavender plant?
Yes, you can split up lavender plants. It is a relatively easy process, and can be done in a few simple steps. First, you need to dig up the entire plant and separate the root ball into two or more parts. Cut away any dead or unhealthy roots. Next, replant the divided sections in separate pots or in your garden. Can lavender flowers be propagated?
Should you divide a lavender plant?
Rejuvenation: Over time, the center of a lavender plant can become woody and less productive. Dividing the plant allows you to remove this old, woody growth and encourage new, vigorous growth. Propagation: Dividing your lavender plant is a fantastic way to create new plants for free.
Why is dividing lavender so difficult?
Here’s why dividing lavender can be tricky: Lavender has a taproot, so the root system does not readily divide. Established lavender plants often only have 1-2 main woody stems. Dividing the roots and woody stems risks killing the parent plant. Lavender division has a low success rate compared to cuttings.
How do you separate English lavender plants?
This will allow you to have three separate and distinct lavender flowers without having the same flower. Divide the lavender into two sections by cutting off the center two leaves and leaving the remaining leaves alone. If you are unable to identify and separate English lavender plants, there are some tools that will help you do this.
How do you replant a lavender plant?
Transplant into the garden after hardening off. Layering lavender stems – Lavender stems that touch the ground may form roots while still attached to the parent plant. Simply cut these rooted stems and pot up to make new plants. Dividing lavender – Mature, overgrown lavender plants can be divided to rejuvenate them.
Can a lavender plant die after dividing?
Examine the center of the lavender plant. Older lavender plants may begin to die in the center, only producing flowers around the outside. This is one of the few situations in which dividing a lavender plant may be necessary. However, any lavender plant has a significant risk of death following division.