The RHS says to trim lavender annually in late summer, just after flowering, removing spent flower stalks and about 2.5 cm (1 in) of leaf growth, and not to cut into woody stems because lavender does not regrow well from them. Leggy or woody growth is usually a sign of missed pruning, and older plants that have become straggly or misshapen should be replaced.
What the RHS says about pruning
| Task | What the RHS says |
|---|---|
| Annual trim | Late summer, just after flowering |
| How much | Spent flower stalks and about 2.5 cm of leaf growth |
| Old wood | Do not cut into woody stems |
| Spring | Clip foliage if growth is untidy or frost-damaged |
| Deadheading | Cut off spent blooms to encourage more flowers |
| Old plants | Replace straggly, woody or misshapen plants |
A different timing from Arkansas
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, writing about garden lavender, says to remove damaged parts and prune back by one third to one half before new growth in spring. The RHS limit on not cutting into bare wood is the safer guide for a potted plant, because lavender does not regrow well from old wood.
Harvesting counts as pruning
Clemson says to prune or harvest herbs regularly to promote vigorous, well-shaped, sturdy growth. It gives no harvest timing for lavender.
What the sources do not cover
Neither source gives pruning advice for lavender grown as a houseplant. If the plant is weak from low light, see Why Indoor Lavender Dies before pruning hard.
Frequently asked questions
When should I prune potted lavender?
The RHS says in late summer, just after flowering.
Can I cut lavender back hard?
Not into woody stems. The RHS says lavender does not regrow well from them.
What if my lavender is woody and leggy?
The RHS says that is usually missed pruning, and that old, straggly plants are best replaced.
Sources read for this page
- RHS lavender growing guide
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
- Clemson HGIC herbs factsheet
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page gives general guidance and cannot diagnose a plant from a description; see the Disclaimer. Back to Can You Grow Lavender Indoors?
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