Cutting perennial, woody herbs 

Optimal growth of woody herbs through targeted pruning 

A healthy, blooming garden is the pride of every hobby gardener. Herbs such as lavender or sage are not only popular because of their aromatic properties, but also because they have an aesthetic appeal. However, to be able to enjoy the beauty of these sensitive semi-shrubs in all their glory every year, it is essential to prune them properly in spring and summer.  

The importance of pruning 

Perennial herbs such as lavender require annual pruning from the second year after planting.  
This maintenance pruning stimulates the growth of young, vital ground shoots and thus also promotes the formation of many flowers.  

The optimum time and the right technique 

The best time to prune lavender is in spring, when the first buds are already visible on the shoots.  
To do this, all shoots are shortened to approx. 15 cm. It is important that the remaining shoots still have leaves.   
The second maintenance pruning is then carried out in summer after flowering by shortening the shoot tips by approx. 5 cm.  

Tip: If the lavender is pruned in the shape of a hemisphere, it will look particularly bushy.  

Older and heavily woody lavender plants that have hardly been pruned in the past can no longer tolerate deep pruning. They should then only be pruned in the upper leafy area. 

Choose the right tool for the perfect cut 

The quality of pruning depends on choosing the right secateurs. GARDENA offers a variety of secateurs that have been specially designed for different pruning needs:   

We recommend the GARDENA Garden Secateurs for more precise cuts on thinner shoots and branches. They provide a clean cut, which is essential for the health and rapid healing of cut surfaces. The GARDENA Ratchet Secateurs SmartCut Comfort are ideal for cutting thicker, woody branches due to the ratchet mechanism.

Additional tips for successful pruning 

• Hygiene: Make sure that your secateurs are clean and disinfected before use to prevent the transmission of diseases.  

• Pruning: Always make a sharp cut at an angle pointing outwards so that water can drain away from the cut surface and the plant and does not contribute to rotting.   

• Observation: Monitor your plants after pruning for signs of stress or disease and intervene if necessary. 

Pruning woody plants is an art that requires both knowledge and the right tools. By following the tips above and investing in high-quality pruning shears from GARDENA, you can ensure that your woody plants such as sage and lavender sprout lush and healthy shoots every year.