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Lavender does bloom on old wood, but only certain types, and understanding the difference is the key to getting those fragrant purple spikes year after year.
If you’ve ever wondered “does lavender bloom on old wood” after watching your plant turn into a sad, woody mess with barely any flowers, you’re not alone.
The answer depends entirely on which lavender variety you’re growing, because some lavenders bloom on old wood while others bloom on new growth.
In this post, we’ll break down whether lavender blooms on old wood, which varieties do, and how to prune them so you don’t accidentally cut off next year’s flowers.
Let’s dig in.
Does Lavender Bloom on Old Wood?
Yes, lavender blooms on old wood, but it’s a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
The term “old wood” refers to the woody stems that have matured and hardened over previous growing seasons.
Some lavender varieties produce their flower spikes on these older, woody stems, while others push out blooms on fresh green growth.
Knowing which type you have makes all the difference when it comes to pruning and getting reliable blooms.
Here’s why lavender blooms on old wood for certain varieties:
1. English Lavender Blooms on Old Wood
English lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the varieties that blooms on old wood.
This type produces its flower spikes on the previous season’s growth, which means the stems that grew last year are the ones that will flower this year.
If you cut English lavender back too hard in spring, you’ll remove the wood that was supposed to bloom.
That’s why the question of does lavender bloom on old wood matters so much for this variety.
2. French and Spanish Lavender Bloom on New Growth
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas subsp.) bloom on new growth instead.
These varieties push out fresh green stems each season, and the flowers appear on that new wood.
So while some lavender blooms on old wood, these types don’t follow the same rule.
That’s why you can prune French and Spanish lavender more aggressively without sacrificing blooms.
3. Lavandins Are a Mixed Bag
Lavandins, or Lavandula x intermedia, are hybrids that tend to bloom on old wood like their English parent.
These are the big, bushy lavenders you see in commercial fields, and they produce those long, elegant stems perfect for drying.
Since lavandins bloom on old wood, they need the same careful pruning approach as English lavender.
4. The Woodiness Factor
Lavender naturally becomes woody over time, and this woodiness is exactly where the flowers emerge for certain varieties.
When lavender blooms on old wood, that old wood needs to stay healthy and alive.
If the wood dies back or gets damaged, you lose the flowering sites for the next season.
This is why proper care and pruning are essential for lavender that blooms on old wood.
How to Prune Lavender That Blooms on Old Wood
Since lavender blooms on old wood for English and lavandin varieties, pruning requires a gentle touch.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Prune After Blooming, Not Before
The best time to prune lavender that blooms on old wood is right after the flowers fade in late summer.
This gives the plant time to recover and develop new growth before winter.
If you wait until spring, you risk cutting off the wood that’s already preparing to bloom.
2. Never Cut Into the Old Wood
When pruning lavender that blooms on old wood, stay in the soft, green growth.
Cutting into the woody stems can kill the plant because lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood.
A good rule is to remove about one-third of the green growth and leave the woody base alone.
3. Shape Lightly, Don’t Hack
Light shaping keeps the plant tidy without removing the flowering wood.
Since lavender blooms on old wood, you want to preserve as much of that structure as possible.
Trim spent flower stems and lightly tidy the sides, but avoid heavy cutting.
4. Deadhead to Encourage More Blooms
Removing spent flowers throughout the season encourages the plant to keep producing.
Even though lavender blooms on old wood, deadheading helps redirect energy into new flower production.
Just snip the stem back to the first set of leaves below the flower.
Common Mistakes When Growing Lavender That Blooms on Old Wood
Even if you know lavender blooms on old wood, it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you flowers.
Here are the big ones to avoid:
1. Pruning in Spring
Spring pruning is the fastest way to lose blooms on lavender that flowers on old wood.
By the time spring arrives, the plant has already set its flower buds on last year’s growth.
Cutting now means cutting off your flowers before they ever appear.
2. Cutting Too Far Back
Lavender doesn’t bounce back from hard pruning into old wood.
If you cut too deep, the plant may not recover at all, especially if it blooms on old wood.
Always err on the side of caution and leave plenty of green growth intact.
3. Poor Drainage and Humidity
Lavender hates wet feet, and soggy soil stresses the plant.
When lavender is stressed, the old wood suffers, and you get fewer blooms.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to keep that flowering wood healthy.
4. Not Knowing Your Variety
The biggest mistake is treating all lavender the same.
Since only some lavender blooms on old wood, you need to know exactly what you’re growing.
Check the tag or research your variety so you prune at the right time and in the right way.
So, Does Lavender Bloom on Old Wood?
Lavender does bloom on old wood, but only for certain varieties like English lavender and lavandins.
French and Spanish lavender bloom on new growth instead, so they follow different pruning rules.
The key takeaway is to know your variety and prune accordingly, because cutting at the wrong time can wipe out your blooms for an entire season.
With the right care, your lavender will reward you with those beautiful, fragrant spikes year after year.
Happy growing.