Can You Separate Lavender Plants? A Complete Guide to Dividing Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is popular for its beautiful purple flowers and aromatic scent It is commonly used in soaps, perfumes, sachets and potpourris Lavender is also an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in hot, sunny climates. As lavender plants mature, they tend to become woody and sometimes open up in the center. This often results in less flower production after a few years. To rejuvenate old plants and create more lavender for your garden, you may want to divide lavender plants. But can you separate lavender plants successfully?

An Overview of Dividing Lavender Plants

Lavender is a subshrub, meaning it has a woody base with herbaceous stems Most lavender plants have a single main stem with many branches. Because of this growth habit, lavender does not have multiple crowns from which new plants can be divided Dividing the roots and woody base of lavender can be challenging and often results in a high mortality rate.

While traditional division is not recommended, there are a couple other propagation methods that can increase your lavender.

Layering

One way to get more plants is through layering. This natural propagation method happens when a lavender branch touches the ground and takes root. The new rooted stem can then be severed from the parent plant and replanted.

To purposefully layer lavender, pin down a low-growing stem so it is in contact with the soil. Cover it with soil or mulch and keep it moist. Once roots form, cut it from the parent plant. transplant the new plant to its permanent spot.

Cuttings

Taking cuttings from lavender branches is the easiest way to make more plants. Cut 4-6 inch pieces of new growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone. Stick into pots filled with soilless potting mix.

Keep the cuttings moist and out of direct sun until roots form. Once established, transplant into the garden. Taking cuttings is less stressful on the lavender and results in a higher success rate than division.

When to Divide Lavender

If you want to attempt dividing lavender despite the risks, aim for either spring or fall. Here is an overview of the best times:

• Spring – Divide in early spring before new growth begins. This gives the plants time to recover before the summer heat.

• Fall – September or October is ideal for lavender division. The plants can establish roots before winter dormancy.

Avoid dividing lavender during the peak summer heat or winter cold. Extreme temperatures will add additional stress and shock.

How to Divide Lavender Plants

Dividing lavender takes patience, care and luck. Follow these steps for the best chance of success:

1. Select an Old, Overgrown Plant

Pick a lavender plant that is 3-4 years old or older. Avoid dividing young, vigorous plants. Older plants that are overcrowded or flowering less are better candidates.

2. Water Well in Advance

Make sure the plant is thoroughly watered 1-2 days before dividing. Well-hydrated plants will be less stressed.

3. Dig Up the Plant

Use a spade shovel to dig around and under the lavender plant. Carefully lift out the entire plant and root ball.

4. Break Apart the Root Ball

Gently shake or tease apart the dirt and roots to loosen the plant. Look for natural divisions where the plant may have multiple stems emerging from the base.

5. Divide into Sections

Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut the plant into smaller sections. Each divided section should have 3-5 healthy stems and an intact portion of root ball attached. Discard any weak or dead sections.

6. Plant Divisions Immediately

Plant each lavender division into a prepared hole. Water well. Add mulch around the new transplants to retain moisture.

7. Provide Aftercare

Keep the divided lavender plants well-watered for several weeks as they recover from division. Protect from harsh sun and wind initially. Staking may be needed if plants become loose or unstable.

Monitor for signs of transplant shock like wilting. Division increases stress so some loss is expected. But with proper aftercare, the transplants should establish within a few months.

Tips for Dividing Lavender Successfully

• Start with an overgrown, older plant that needs rejuvenation.

• Divide in early spring or fall for best results.

• Water lavender well 1-2 days before dividing.

• Break apart the root ball gently into natural divisions.

• Cut plants with a sharp, sterile knife to prevent disease.

• Plant divisions immediately and water thoroughly.

• Stake plants if needed for stability.

• Provide optimal aftercare with moisture and protection.

What to Expect After Dividing Lavender

Lavender division is risky and high loss is common. But if some plants survive, you can propagate your lavender for free. Here are some potential outcomes after dividing:

• Death – Many divided sections may die off due to the stress.

• Wilting – Expect some temporary wilting as plants recover.

• Reduced Flowers – Divided plants may not flower well the first year as they establish.

• New Growth – Within a few months, you should see new leaves and stems emerging.

• Full Recovery – By the second year, successfully divided lavenders will regrow and resume flowering.

• More Plants – In future years, you’ll have an expanded lavender patch from a single plant.

While not an easy endeavor, dividing lavender can expand your garden when done with care. Pay close attention to aftercare as the new plants will be sensitive initially. But once recovered, the divisions will reward you with bountiful blossoms and fragrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I divide my lavender plant?

Lavender division is risky and often results in plant death. It’s better to propagate from cuttings or layering. But if your lavender is old and decrepit, division may rejuvenate it.

How long does it take lavender cuttings to root?

Lavender cuttings take 1-2 months to develop roots before transplanting. Taking cuttings is faster than dividing plants.

Can I transplant lavender in summer?

Avoid transplanting lavender in summer. The heat and dryness causes extra stress. Spring or fall are better times to divide or move lavender plants.

Do lavender plants spread?

Lavender is a compact, mounding subshrub. It does not self-propagate by spreading via roots or rhizomes. The only spreading is when branches layer themselves.

Should I prune lavender after dividing?

Don’t prune lavender immediately after division. Give the plants time to recover before doing any cutting back. Once established, prune for shape and flowering.

Dividing lavender is possible but tricky. For best results, take stem cuttings or layer the branches. But if you have an overgrown lavender that needs rejuvenation, careful division in spring or fall can stimulate new growth. Pay close attention to aftercare while the divisions establish. Within a year or two, your efforts will be rewarded with a thriving patch of renewed lavender plants.