Leggy Growth in Lavender
English lavender is a fragrant Mediterranean herb and ornamental shrub beloved for its purple flowers and calming scent
Lavender care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to leggy growth in Lavender. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Lavender
The plant becomes woody and sparse at the base with new growth only at the tips, losing its compact, bushy mounded shape.
Common causes in Lavender
Lavender naturally becomes woody with age, but legginess is accelerated by insufficient sun (needs 6+ hours) or skipping the light annual pruning that keeps growth compact.
How to diagnose leggy growth in Lavender
Plants lean towards light source or grow tall and thin in low light conditions.
How to treat leggy growth in Lavender
Move to a fuller-sun spot if light is lacking, and prune lightly after flowering each year, cutting back to just above where new growth emerges — avoid cutting into old bare wood, which won't reshoot.
Preventing leggy growth in Lavender
Provide at least 6 hours of full sun, and prune lightly every year straight after flowering to prevent the woody legginess that builds up over untrimmed seasons.