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Yes, you can divide Spanish lavender, and this is actually one of the best ways to propagate more of these beautiful, fragrant shrubs for free.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can divide Spanish lavender, the answer is a reassuring yes, but there’s a little nuance to understand first.
Unlike many perennial flowers that have soft, fibrous root systems, Spanish lavender grows as a woody subshrub, so dividing Spanish lavender requires a slightly different approach than splitting a typical herbaceous plant.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to divide Spanish lavender, when to do it, and what mistakes to avoid so your new plants thrive.
Let’s dig into the details of dividing Spanish lavender successfully.
Why You Can Divide Spanish Lavender, But With Care
You can divide Spanish lavender, but you’ll need to be gentler and more strategic than you would with, say, hostas or daylilies.
Spanish lavender develops a central woody crown as it matures, and that woody base doesn’t always respond well to being chopped apart like soft green stems.
That said, dividing Spanish lavender is very possible when the plant has grown large enough to produce new growth from the base, which usually happens after three to four years.
The key is to make sure each division has both a healthy section of root and some vigorous green shoots or younger woody stems.
Let’s explore how you can divide Spanish lavender effectively so you don’t lose your precious plants.
1. The Difference Between Dividing and Rooting Cuttings
When you divide Spanish lavender, you’re essentially splitting the root ball of an established plant into smaller sections.
This is different from taking cuttings, where you snip a stem and root it in soil.
You can divide Spanish lavender if the plant has multiple crowns or if you notice it sending up new offsets around the base.
However, if your lavender is an old, single-stemmed woody specimen, dividing it might not work because there’s simply no separate root system to split.
In that case, you’d be more successful propagating via cuttings rather than trying to divide Spanish lavender that has no natural separation points.
2. Timing Is Everything When Dividing Spanish Lavender
When can you divide Spanish lavender?
The best time to divide Spanish lavender is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge but before the plant puts on a burst of active growth.
Dividing Spanish lavender in early spring gives the separated sections plenty of time to establish new roots before the heat of summer arrives.
You can also divide Spanish lavender in early autumn, which allows roots to settle in during cooler, moister weather.
Avoid dividing during the peak of summer heat, as the stress can easily kill the divisions, and avoid late fall divisions because the plants won’t have time to root before frost.
3. How to Actually Divide Spanish Lavender Step by Step
Ready to divide Spanish lavender in your garden?
Here’s a simple method to follow, starting with watering your lavender thoroughly a day before you plan to dig it up.
Use a sharp spade to dig around the entire plant, leaving a generous root ball, and lift the whole clump out of the ground.
Gently shake off excess soil so you can see the natural growth points and root structure clearly.
Look for where the plant naturally separates into distinct sections with their own roots, and use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut through the crown.
Each division should have at least three to five healthy stems and a decent chunk of root system attached.
Trim back any excessively long or damaged roots and remove any woody, dead growth from the center of the plant.
Immediately replant your Spanish lavender divisions at the same soil depth they were growing before, spacing them at least 18 inches apart to allow for airflow.
Water them in well, but be careful not to overwater, as lavender hates soggy feet and will rot quickly.
Signs That Your Spanish Lavender Is Ready for Division
Not every Spanish lavender plant needs to be divided, so how do you know when it’s the right time to divide Spanish lavender?
Look for these telltale signs that your plant is overcrowded and would benefit from division.
If you see a ring of healthy growth around a dead, woody center, that’s a strong signal that dividing Spanish lavender will rejuvenate the plant.
Another sign is when the plant produces fewer blooms than it used to, even though it’s getting plenty of sun and water.
And if the base of your lavender has become so congested that water runs off instead of soaking in, it might be time to divide Spanish lavender for the plant’s health.
1. The Woody Center Problem
As Spanish lavender ages, the center of the plant often becomes woody and stops producing new foliage.
You can divide Spanish lavender in this case by cutting away the dead central wood and keeping the vigorous outer sections.
This not only gives you new plants but also helps the original clump stay healthy and productive.
Just be sure you’re cutting into living tissue, not just trying to split an old stump with no viable roots.
2. Root-Bound Plants in Containers
If you grow Spanish lavender in pots, you’ll eventually need to divide Spanish lavender because the roots will run out of room.
When you see roots circling the top of the soil or poking out of drainage holes, your lavender is root-bound.
You can divide Spanish lavender by removing it from the pot, teasing the roots apart, and splitting the root ball into two or more sections.
This refreshes the root system and gives each new plant fresh soil to grow into, which works brilliantly for container gardening.
Common Mistakes When You Divide Spanish Lavender
Even though you can divide Spanish lavender quite successfully, there are a few common mistakes that can doom your new plants before they establish.
Let’s look at what to avoid so you get this right the first time.
1. Dividing Old Wood With No Green Growth
The biggest error people make is trying to divide Spanish lavender that’s basically an ancient, woody stump with no new growth at the base.
Old wood doesn’t root well, and you’ll end up with dead sticks in the ground.
Only divide Spanish lavender when you see fresh green shoots emerging from the base of the plant, as these young sections are the ones capable of surviving division.
2. Overwatering After Division
After you divide Spanish lavender, it’s tempting to pamper the new plants with lots of water.
But overwatering is the quickest way to kill lavender because its roots need excellent drainage to avoid rotting.
Water your divisions well immediately after planting, then let the soil dry out between waterings, just like you would with a mature lavender plant.
3. Dividing at the Wrong Time of Year
If you divide Spanish lavender in the heat of summer or during a frosty winter, the plants will struggle tremendously.
Stick to early spring or early autumn for the best success rate, as these mild seasons align with natural growth cycles.
Timing really is critical when you decide to divide Spanish lavender, so be patient and wait for the right window.
So, Can You Divide Spanish Lavender Successfully?
Yes, you can divide Spanish lavender successfully, provided you wait until the plant is mature and shows signs of multiple growth points.
Dividing Spanish lavender is a fantastic way to multiply your plants, fill in garden borders, or share with friends at no cost.
Remember that you can divide Spanish lavender in early spring or autumn, always keep roots moist but never soggy, and never try to divide a plant that has zero green, vigorous growth.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to divide Spanish lavender with confidence and watch your new plants flourish beautifully.
Happy gardening, and enjoy all those fragrant purple blooms that come from your freshly divided lavender!