Lavender, with its captivating fragrance and stunning purple blooms, is a beloved addition to gardens worldwide. But did you know that you can easily expand your lavender collection without spending a fortune on new plants? The secret lies in division – a simple propagation method that allows you to create new, genetically identical lavender plants from an existing mature specimen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you successfully divide your lavender and enjoy an abundance of these beautiful and fragrant plants.

Why Divide Lavender Plants?

Dividing lavender isn’t just about getting more plants for free; it offers several advantages:

• Plant Rejuvenation: Mature lavender plants, especially older ones, can become woody and less productive. Division rejuvenates the plant by stimulating new growth and improving overall health.
• Increased Plant Count: Instead of buying multiple new lavender plants, dividing a single healthy plant provides you with several new individuals, perfect for expanding your garden or sharing with friends.
• Cost-Effective Propagation: Division is a simple and cost-effective propagation method that requires minimal equipment and skill.
• Maintains Variety: You are certain to get the same variety as your parent plant, a particular advantage if you cherish a specific cultivar.

When to Divide Lavender

Timing is crucial for successful lavender division. The best times to divide your lavender are:

• Early Spring: Just as new growth begins to emerge in the spring, before the plant puts too much energy into leaf and flower production. This allows the new divisions ample time to establish roots before the heat of summer.
• Early Autumn: In mild climates, dividing in early autumn after the main flowering season is also acceptable. This gives the divisions a chance to root before winter arrives. However, avoid dividing if your region experiences very cold winters.

Avoid dividing during the heat of summer or when the plant is actively flowering, as this can stress the plant and reduce the chances of successful establishment. It is also not recommended to divide the plant just before frost arrives, as the plant needs sufficient time to establish roots before the cold weather.

Essential Tools and Supplies

Before you begin the division process, gather the following tools and supplies:

• Sharp Shovel or Spade: A sturdy shovel or spade with a sharp edge is essential for digging and dividing the root ball. A garden knife or pruning knife can also be useful.
• Garden Fork: A garden fork is helpful for loosening the soil around the plant and assisting in lifting the plant.
• Clean Pruning Shears or Secateurs: Use clean, sharp shears or secateurs to trim any damaged roots or foliage.
• Gloves: Protect your hands by wearing sturdy gardening gloves.
• Watering Can or Hose: Prepare to water the newly divided plants.
• Well-Draining Soil or Planting Mix: Use soil that is well-draining. A mixture of compost and sand is ideal for lavender.
• Planting Pots or Garden Space: Prepare pots if you will be potting your divided lavender plants or designate where they will be replanted.
• Optional: Rooting Hormone: Rooting hormone can help the new divisions to establish roots more quickly, but it is not essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dividing Lavender Plants

Now that you have gathered your tools and supplies, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of dividing your lavender plant:

1. Prepare the Site or Pots: If you plan to replant the divisions in the garden, prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork and adding compost and sand. If you will use pots, fill them with your potting mix. Make sure you have enough space prepared for all your divisions. For example, if you are dividing your lavender into three plants, ensure you have three new planting locations ready.

2. Water the Parent Plant: A day or two before you plan to divide the lavender, water it thoroughly. This will make the soil easier to work with and minimize stress on the plant. You want the soil moist, but not soaked, when you go to dig up the plant.

3. Dig Around the Plant: Using your shovel or spade, carefully dig around the lavender plant, about 6-8 inches away from the base of the plant. Dig deep enough to go below the root ball. Ensure the roots are not damaged as much as possible. Your objective is to loosen the plant so it can be gently lifted.

4. Gently Lift the Plant: Use your garden fork or shovel to carefully lift the plant out of the ground. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the roots. If the plant is large or has extensive root system, you may need to work your way around the plant a little at a time with your shovel, gently loosening its grip in the ground. It is preferable to try and lift the rootball in a single clump to better preserve the structure and avoid excessive root damage.

5. Examine the Root Ball: Once the plant is out of the ground, examine the root ball. Identify natural divisions where the plant can be easily separated. You may see separate sections of the plant that have their own root systems. Ideally, each division will have healthy roots and several stems.

6. Divide the Plant: Use your sharp shovel, spade, or even your hands to gently separate the root ball into sections. The goal is to get divisions, each with several stems and healthy roots. You can sometimes accomplish this by carefully using your fingers to pull the plant apart along the natural dividing lines, or you can use a clean, sharp shovel or knife to cut through the root ball. It’s very important to be gentle in this process. If the root system appears very dense and it’s difficult to separate by hand, you may need to use a knife to carefully cut apart the root sections. Make sure each section has an adequate root system. Do not be afraid to trim roots with your pruners if needed to get each division’s rootball in good shape. Do not split the plant into excessively small divisions. Larger divisions will establish better. However, it’s acceptable to leave some divisions smaller than others, so long as each section has an adequate, healthy root system.

7. Trim Damaged Roots or Foliage: Using clean pruning shears or secateurs, trim any damaged or broken roots or foliage. This will encourage new growth and reduce the risk of disease. You may also wish to remove about a third of the foliage on each division to further reduce stress on the plant as it re-establishes its roots.

8. Apply Rooting Hormone (Optional): If desired, dip the cut root ends of each division into rooting hormone. This will encourage quicker root development and increased success. Follow the directions on the rooting hormone package.

9. Plant the Divisions: Immediately replant the divisions in the prepared garden spots or pots. Make sure the root ball is completely covered with soil and that the crown (where the stems emerge from the soil) is at the same level as before division. It should not be covered by soil or sitting too far above the ground. If potting the divisions, they should be placed in the center of the pot, and make sure there’s at least 2 inches of space between the rootball and the edge of the pot to allow for future root growth. If planting in the garden, space each division about 18-24 inches apart. This spacing will give them enough room to mature. The soil should be well-drained.

10. Water Thoroughly: After planting the divisions, water them thoroughly. This will help to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock. You want the soil to be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Continue to water the plants regularly for the next few weeks or until you see new growth.

11. Monitor and Care: Continue to monitor your newly divided lavender plants, watering them as needed, especially in dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as lavender prefers well-drained soil. As the plants establish themselves, you can begin to fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth. Within a few weeks, you will see new leaves starting to emerge. This is a good sign that the plant has begun to recover from the division and has started to develop new roots.

Tips for Success

• Choose Healthy Plants: Select a healthy, vigorous lavender plant for division. Avoid plants with signs of disease or pest infestation.
• Be Gentle: Handle the roots of the lavender plants with care to minimize stress and damage.
• Avoid Overwatering: Lavender prefers well-drained soil and can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
• Provide Adequate Sunlight: Lavender plants thrive in full sun, so ensure the new divisions are planted in a sunny location.
• Avoid Fertilizing Immediately: Do not fertilize the new divisions immediately after transplanting; wait until you see new growth.
• Consider Your Climate: If you live in an area with very cold winters, divide lavender plants earlier in the spring to allow them enough time to establish before the first frost.
• Do Not Divide In Poor Weather: Avoid dividing lavender in very hot or rainy conditions. Choose a day with mild weather, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Keep Soil Loose: Ensure that the soil around the root ball is loose and not compacted after you have replanted. Compaction can lead to poor drainage.
• Label the Divisions: If you are dividing different lavender varieties, label them so you don’t get them confused.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dividing Too Late: Dividing during flowering or in the heat of the summer will likely result in plant stress and poor success.
• Damaging Roots: Be gentle when digging and dividing the plant to avoid excessive root damage.
• Splitting into Too Small Sections: Don’t try to make too many divisions from one plant, as the resulting plants might not be viable. Each division needs enough stems and a well-established root system.
• Planting in Poorly Draining Soil: Lavender plants are prone to root rot and will not thrive in poorly draining soil.
• Overwatering: Overwatering is a common mistake that leads to the development of root rot. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Over-Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing the new divisions, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of root development.
• Ignoring Aftercare: New divisions need monitoring and appropriate care for a few weeks until they establish new roots. Do not neglect them during this critical time.

Conclusion

Dividing lavender plants is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to expand your garden with these fragrant beauties without purchasing new plants. By following this comprehensive guide and taking the appropriate precautions, you can successfully divide your lavender plants and enjoy an abundance of these beloved perennials for years to come. Remember to be gentle, pay attention to the plant’s needs, and you will be enjoying new lavender plants in your garden in no time!

Happy gardening!