Can You Divide English Lavender

Yes, you can divide English lavender, and doing so is a fantastic way to rejuvenate older plants and create new ones for free.

If you’ve been wondering whether you can divide English lavender to fill out your garden beds, the answer is a resounding yes, provided you approach the task with care and at the right time.

Many gardeners assume that because lavender is a woody perennial, you can divide English lavender just like you would a hosta or a daylily.

But understanding the unique growth habit of this fragrant herb is the key to successful division, so let’s dig into the details.

In this post, we’ll explore when you can divide English lavender, the best techniques for splitting your plants, and how to ensure those new divisions thrive in their new home.

Let’s get our hands a little dirty and learn the ropes.

 

Why You Can Divide English Lavender

You can divide English lavender successfully because the plant often produces new growth from its base, which gives you viable sections to work with.

This is especially true for younger plants that haven’t developed a massive, woody center yet.

The process essentially involves splitting the root ball and the crown into smaller pieces, each with its own set of roots and shoots.

Here are a few reasons why dividing this type of lavender is a smart move:

1. Rejuvenates Older Plants

As English lavender ages, the center of the plant tends to become woody, bare, and unproductive.

When you divide English lavender, you are essentially discarding that old, tired center and keeping the vigorous, young outer growth.

This encourages fresh, healthy shoots and more abundant flowering.

2. Increases Your Plant Stock

Instead of buying new plants from the nursery, dividing gives you several new, established plants for the price of one.

It’s an economical and rewarding way to expand your lavender hedge or border.

3. Controls Size and Shape

If your lavender has outgrown its designated spot, dividing it helps you manage its size.

You can replant the divisions farther apart, giving each plant more breathing room and better air circulation, which lavender absolutely loves.

 

The Best Time to Divide English Lavender

The best time to divide English lavender is in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge from the base.

This timing gives the divided plants the entire growing season to establish their root systems before the stress of winter arrives.

Dividing at this point is ideal because the plants are full of energy and the weather is typically cool and moist, which reduces transplant shock.

You can also divide them in early autumn, but you’ll need to ensure they have enough time to root in before the ground freezes.

 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Divide English Lavender

Now, let’s get to the actual process of how you can divide English lavender.

It’s not as tricky as it sounds, but a gentle hand is essential.

1. Prepare the Plant

A day before you plan to divide, water the lavender deeply to ensure the root ball is moist.

This makes the soil cling to the roots and reduces stress during the division process.

2. Lift the Plant Carefully

Using a garden fork or spade, dig around the entire plant to loosen the roots.

Start a few inches away from the crown to avoid chopping off major roots.

Gently lift the entire plant out of the ground, trying to keep the root ball as intact as possible.

3. Inspect the Root Ball

Shake off any excess soil so you can see where the natural divisions or separate crowns occur.

If the plant is large and woody, you may struggle to find clear sections.

In this case, look for where the healthiest young shoots are sprouting.

4. Split the Plant

For smaller plants, you can often pull the root ball apart with your hands.

For larger, tougher root masses, use a sharp, clean spade or a sturdy knife to cut through the crown.

Make sure that each division you take has a good amount of roots attached to it along with several healthy shoots above the soil line.

Remember, when you divide English lavender, it’s better to have a few larger, robust sections than many tiny, fragile ones.

5. Replant Immediately

Once you have your new plants, replant them as soon as possible.

Dig a hole that is slightly wider than the root ball of your division.

Place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing before.

Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

 

Common Mistakes When You Divide English Lavender

Even though you can divide English lavender, there are some pitfalls that can lead to plant failure.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Dividing Woody Centres

If the plant has a huge, woody base with no green shoots emerging from the middle, don’t try to split that part.

Woody material rarely produces new roots and will just rot after replanting.

Instead, focus your divisions on the peripheral, green growth that has its own independent root system.

2. Dividing at the Wrong Time

Dividing in the heat of summer or during a drought is a recipe for disaster.

The plants lose too much moisture through their leaves before they can re-establish their roots.

Stick to early spring or early fall.

3. Letting Roots Dry Out

Lavender roots should not be exposed to the air for long.

Keep the roots covered with a damp cloth or a bucket of water while you prepare the planting holes.

Once you’ve lifted and split the plant, the clock is ticking.

4. Overwatering After Division

While they need a good initial watering, don’t keep the soil soggy.

English lavender thrives in well-draining, even gritty soil.

Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to kill a freshly divided lavender plant, so let the soil dry out between waterings.

 

So, Can You Divide English Lavender?

You can divide English lavender, but it’s a bit more nuanced than doing the same for other perennials.

The most important thing is to focus on the fresh, green growth and to do this in early spring.

By following the steps and avoiding the common pitfalls, you’ll be rewarded with robust, healthy plants that will perfume your garden for years to come.

So, if you have an established lavender bush that’s starting to look a little sparse in the middle, go ahead and try your hand at dividing it.

Your garden will thank you for the extra bounty of these beautiful, aromatic plants.