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Lavender can be split, and it’s one of the best ways to get more of these fragrant, silvery-green plants for free.
If you’ve been gazing at a mature lavender bush that’s looking a little woody or bare in the center, splitting it is the perfect solution to rejuvenate it.
You can absolutely split lavender to create new plants, control its size, and keep it healthy for years to come.
In this post, we’ll dig into exactly how to split lavender successfully, the best timing for the job, and the crucial mistakes to avoid so your new divisions thrive.
Let’s get our hands dirty and explore everything you need to know about this simple propagation technique.
Why You Should Split Lavender Plants
Splitting lavender is a gardener’s secret weapon for maintaining a vigorous and beautiful herb garden, and here’s why you should consider it.
Unlike some perennials that divide easily, lavender has a unique growth habit, but when done right, splitting works wonders.
The main reason to split lavender is to combat the woody, leggy growth that happens as the plant matures.
Over time, the center of a lavender plant dies out, leaving unsightly bare stems and reducing the overall flower production.
When you split lavender, you’re essentially giving the plant a fresh start, encouraging new, green growth from the roots.
It’s also a brilliant and cost-effective way to multiply your stock, turning one large plant into several smaller, vigorous ones.
1. Rejuvenating an Aging Plant
Lavender bushes naturally become woody after about five to seven years, and the production of those lovely fragrant spikes declines.
Splitting the plant forces it to regenerate, as each new section is replanted with a better root-to-shoot ratio.
This invigorates the plant, pushing out fresh, soft growth that will be more productive and lush.
So, if your lavender is looking tired and sparse, learning how to split it can truly bring it back to life.
2. Multiplying Your Lavender Stock
Instead of buying new plants from the garden center, you can split lavender you already own to fill in gaps in your borders.
A single, large lavender plant can often be split into three or four new plants, saving you a significant amount of money.
Dividing your lavender is a fantastic way to create a cohesive and fragrant hedge or edging along a pathway.
3. Improving Air Circulation
A densely packed lavender plant can suffer from poor air circulation, which increases the risk of fungal diseases.
When you split lavender, you open up the center, allowing air to flow freely through the stems and foliage.
Better airflow keeps the leaves dry and healthy, preventing issues like root rot or powdery mildew.
When Is The Best Time To Split Lavender?
Timing is absolutely critical when you decide to split lavender, as doing it at the wrong time can shock the plant beyond recovery.
The ideal window for this task is early spring, just as you see new growth beginning to emerge at the base of the plant.
You can also split lavender in early autumn, giving the divisions enough time to establish roots before the first hard frost.
Splitting during the peak of summer heat is a bad idea, as the stress of root disturbance combined with high temperatures can be fatal.
Similarly, you should never try to split lavender in the dead of winter when the ground is frozen and the plant is dormant.
1. Early Spring Division
This is the most reliable time to split lavender because the soil is warming up and the plant is full of energy for new growth.
Aim to split lavender just after the last frost date in your region for the best success rate.
The cooler, moist spring weather allows the newly divided roots to settle in without the stress of intense sun.
2. Early Autumn Division
If you miss the spring window, early autumn is your second best bet for dividing lavender.
Doing this at least six weeks before the first expected frost gives the plant time to grow new roots.
The roots will continue to develop through the winter, preparing the plant for a burst of growth in the spring.
Step-by-Step Guide on How To Split Lavender
Now that you know you can split lavender, let’s walk through the process step-by-step to ensure you do it correctly.
You don’t need any special equipment, just a sharp spade, a garden fork, and some fresh potting soil or compost.
It’s always a good idea to water the lavender thoroughly a day before you plan to divide it to hydrate the roots.
1. Dig Around The Plant
Start by using your spade to dig a circle around the entire lavender plant, keeping a safe distance of at least six inches from the main stems.
This severs the outer roots and helps you locate the full root ball without causing massive damage.
Gently work the spade under the root ball and lift the entire plant out of the ground.
2. Shake Off Excess Soil
Once lifted, shake off the loose soil to expose the root system clearly, which will make it easier to see where to split.
You’ll likely see a woody center with several distinct crowns or clusters of stems emerging from the base.
3. Make Clean Cuts To Split Lavender
Put the plant on a sturdy surface and look for natural divisions in the crown where stems fan out.
Use a sharp knife or your spade to cut through the root ball, ensuring each new section has a good amount of roots attached.
If the plant is too tough to cut, you can sometimes use two garden forks placed back-to-back to pry the root ball apart.
Each division should have several healthy stems and a decent root system to survive on its own.
4. Replant Immediately
The best way to avoid the roots drying out is to replant each section immediately after you split lavender.
Dig a hole that is wider than the roots but roughly the same depth, and plant the division so that the base of the stems sits at soil level.
Backfill with soil mixed with a little compost, firm it down gently, and water it in thoroughly.
Common Mistakes When You Split Lavender
Even experienced gardeners make errors when dividing lavender, but being aware of these pitfalls will help you succeed.
The most common and fatal mistake is splitting a plant that is too young, as it may not have enough root mass to survive.
Another big issue is planting the new divisions too deep, which can cause the woody stems to rot in the damp soil.
1. Splitting Too Late In The Season
As we mentioned, you should avoid dividing lavender in the summer heat or late fall, as the roots won’t establish in time.
A plant that hasn’t rooted before winter is highly susceptible to frost heave and death.
2. Overwatering New Divisions
While it seems counterintuitive, lavender actually prefers dry conditions and hates wet feet, so you must be careful with watering.
After the initial watering to settle the soil, let the ground dry out between waterings to encourage deep root growth.
Soggy soil will quickly lead to root rot, undoing all your hard work.
3. Trying to Split Woody, Dead Centers
If the entire center of your lavender bush is dry, dead wood and there’s no green growth at the base, then splitting may not work.
Lavender doesn’t regenerate well from old wood, so if there are no signs of life near the roots, it’s too late.
In this case, it’s better to take cuttings from the healthy, green stems instead of trying to split the main plant.
So, Can Lavender Be Split Successfully?
Yes, lavender can be split successfully, provided you do it at the right time and follow the proper care guidelines afterward.
You can definitely split lavender to rejuvenate old plants and multiply your collection without spending a penny.
The trick is to act while the plant is still relatively healthy and to give the new divisions the precise drainage they crave.
We hope this guide has clarified how to split lavender and given you the confidence to tackle this rewarding garden task.
Get out there and split lavender this season to enjoy a bountiful, fragrant display for many years to come.