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Yes, you can split lavender bushes, and it is one of the best ways to rejuvenate an older, woody plant and create new ones for free.
Splitting lavender bushes is a straightforward propagation method that works wonders when done at the right time and with the correct technique.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can split lavender bushes to manage their size or multiply your garden stock, the answer is a confident yes.
But you can split lavender bushes successfully only if you pay attention to the plant’s specific needs, because lavender is a bit pickier than other perennials when it comes to division.
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how you can split lavender bushes, the best timing, and the step-by-step process to give your divided plants the best shot at thriving.
Let’s dig into the details of this rewarding garden task.
Why You Can Split Lavender Bushes For Healthier Growth
You can split lavender bushes primarily because the plant’s root system is dense and fibrous enough to handle division when the shrub is still relatively young.
Unlike some woody perennials that resent root disturbance, lavender responds well to splitting when you approach it correctly.
The main reason to split lavender bushes is to combat that dreaded woody center that develops after several years of growth.
As lavender matures, the lower stems become woody and stop producing fresh foliage, leaving you with a sparse, leggy plant.
When you split lavender bushes, you’re essentially resetting the clock by creating smaller, vigorous sections that focus their energy on new root and shoot growth.
1. Splitting Lavender Bushes Promotes Airflow
When you split lavender bushes, you instantly improve airflow around the stems and roots.
Lavender hates humidity and stagnant air, which can quickly lead to fungal diseases like root rot.
By splitting lavender bushes into smaller clumps, you allow the inner portions of the plant to finally receive sunlight and breezes.
This is essential for keeping your lavender healthy, especially in humid climates where the plant naturally struggles.
2. Splitting Lavender Bushes Rejuvenates Older Plants
Older lavender bushes that have become woody at the base are classic candidates for splitting.
You can split lavender bushes that are showing signs of decline, such as fewer blooms or bare lower stems, to encourage fresh green growth from the crown.
The new sections you create will have a better balance of roots to top growth, which gives them the energy to push out healthy new stems.
3. Splitting Lavender Bushes Multiplies Your Plants
One of the most attractive reasons you can split lavender bushes is the sheer number of new plants you can get from a single shrub.
A large mature lavender bush can easily be split into three to five separate plants.
This is a fantastic budget-friendly way to fill a border, create a fragrant hedge, or share with gardening friends.
When Is The Best Time To Split Lavender Bushes?
The timing of when you split lavender bushes is critical to your success.
You can split lavender bushes in either early spring or early autumn, but each season has its own considerations.
The best time to split lavender bushes is in early spring, just as new growth starts to emerge at the base of the plant.
This gives the divided sections the entire growing season to establish their root systems before winter arrives.
Spring Splitting Gives Roots A Full Season
When you split lavender bushes in early spring, the soil is usually moist, and the plant is coming out of dormancy.
The cooler temperatures of spring reduce stress on the freshly divided roots.
If you can split lavender bushes after the last frost date but before the heat of summer kicks in, your new plants will have months to settle in.
Autumn Splitting Works In Mild Climates
You can also split lavender bushes in early autumn if you live in a region with mild winters.
The idea here is that the cooler autumn weather allows the roots to grow undisturbed while the top growth slows down.
However, splitting too late in autumn is risky, since the young divisions won’t have enough time to root before the ground freezes.
If you’re unsure, stick with early spring as your primary window for splitting lavender bushes.
How To Split Lavender Bushes Step By Step
Now that you know you can split lavender bushes, let’s walk through the actual process to ensure you do it like a pro.
You’ll need a sharp spade, a garden fork, pruning shears, and some fresh potting soil ready to go.
1. Water The Lavender Bush The Day Before
Before you split lavender bushes, give the plant a deep watering about 24 hours in advance.
This hydrates the roots and makes the soil easier to work with.
Moist roots are also more flexible and less likely to snap during division.
2. Dig Around The Entire Plant
Use your spade to dig a circle around the lavender bush, staying about six to eight inches away from the main stems.
Angle your spade inward to loosen the root ball from the surrounding soil.
You can split lavender bushes only when you’ve lifted the entire clump out of the ground intact.
3. Gently Separate The Root Ball Into Sections
Place the lifted root ball on a tarp or a flat surface.
Use your hands or a garden fork to gently tease apart the roots into smaller sections.
If the crown is tough, you can use a sharp, clean knife to cut through it, ensuring each division has a good amount of roots and several healthy shoots.
4. Trim Any Damaged Or Woody Parts
After you split lavender bushes, take a moment to inspect each division.
Trim away any dead roots or woody stems that show no signs of life.
Pruning away a bit of the top growth also helps balance the reduced root system.
5. Replant Your Lavender Divisions
Replant each division at the same depth it was growing before.
Lavender prefers well-draining, sandy or gritty soil, so avoid heavy clay.
Space your new lavender bushes at least 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for airflow and future growth.
Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When You Split Lavender Bushes
Even though you can split lavender bushes successfully, certain errors can quickly ruin your efforts.
Let’s look at the most common pitfalls so you can steer clear of them.
1. Splitting Old Woody Lavender Without New Growth
If the lavender bush is extremely old and has no green shoots at the base, splitting it may be useless.
You can split lavender bushes only if there is still some youthful growth emerging from the bottom.
Completely woody stems won’t regenerate roots, so those sections will simply rot.
2. Dividing During The Heat Of Summer
Never attempt to split lavender bushes during a hot summer heatwave.
The stress of losing roots combined with high temperatures will cause the divisions to wilt and die quickly.
Always wait for the cool, mild conditions of early spring or early autumn instead.
3. Overwatering After Splitting
While you need to water your new lavender divisions initially, don’t keep the soil soggy.
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that thrives on neglect and dry conditions once established.
Overwatering after you split lavender bushes is the fastest way to induce root rot in your new plants.
So, Can You Split Lavender Bushes Successfully?
Yes, you can split lavender bushes very successfully if you follow the right steps and pick the perfect timing.
Splitting lavender bushes gives you a way to revitalize aging plants, increase airflow, and multiply your lavender collection affordably.
Remember that you can split lavender bushes only when the plant shows signs of healthy base growth, so never attempt this on a completely dead or woody specimen.
By splitting lavender bushes in early spring with clean tools and providing well-drained soil, you’ll set your new plants up for a long and fragrant life.
We hope this guide has clarified everything you needed to know about whether you can split lavender bushes and how to do it well.
Happy digging and enjoy your new lavender bush divisions in the garden.