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Yes, lavender can be split, and it’s one of the simplest ways to get more of these fragrant plants for free.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can split lavender to multiply your plants, the answer is a confident yes.
Splitting lavender is a common propagation method, though it does require a little more care than splitting some other perennials.
You can split lavender successfully if you choose the right time, prepare the plant properly, and give the divided sections the right conditions to re-establish.
In this post, we’ll cover when you can split lavender, how to do it step by step, and the best practices to keep your new plants thriving.
Let’s dig into splitting lavender so you can enjoy even more of those beautiful purple blooms.
Why You Can Split Lavender And When To Do It
You can split lavender for several great reasons, but timing plays a huge role in whether your divisions will survive.
Splitting lavender isn’t quite like dividing hostas or daylilies, because lavender plants have a woody base that doesn’t always respond well to being cut apart.
Still, you can split lavender successfully if you catch the plant at the right stage and handle the roots gently.
The best time to split lavender is in early spring, just as new green growth begins to emerge at the base of the plant.
Splitting lavender in early spring gives the divided sections the entire growing season to establish new roots before winter arrives.
You can also split lavender in early fall in milder climates, as long as the divisions have at least six weeks to settle in before the first hard frost.
Avoid splitting lavender during the heat of summer, because the stress of root disturbance combined with high temperatures can easily kill the divisions.
And never split lavender when the plant is actively flowering, as that’s when the plant is putting all its energy into blooms rather than root growth.
1. Only Split Lavender If The Plant Is Healthy
You can split lavender more easily when the parent plant is vigorous and well-established, usually at least three to four years old.
Splitting lavender that is young or weak will just shock it further, and the chances of survival drop dramatically.
Check that your lavender has plenty of healthy green shoots at the base and no signs of disease or rot before you attempt to split it.
If the center of the plant looks dead or woody with growth only around the edges, you may still be able to split lavender, but the inner sections won’t produce new plants.
2. Some Lavender Types Split Better Than Others
You can split lavender more reliably with certain varieties, particularly the English lavender types like Hidcote or Munstead.
English lavender tends to have a denser, more fibrous root system that tolerates division better than French or Spanish lavender.
French and Spanish lavender have a more open, woody structure, and trying to split lavender from these groups often results in failure.
If you have a prized French lavender, you’re usually better off taking cuttings instead of splitting the plant.
But for English lavender, splitting is a perfectly viable method that works well for most home gardeners.
3. Splitting Lavender Keeps Older Plants Vigorous
Another reason to split lavender is that it rejuvenates an aging plant that has become leggy or bare in the middle.
Over time, lavender plants can become woody and less productive, but splitting encourages fresh new growth from the roots.
When you split lavender, you’re essentially forcing the plant to restart its growth cycle, which often leads to more lush foliage and better flowering.
So if your lavender is looking tired, splitting can be the perfect solution to breathe new life into your garden.
How To Split Lavender Step By Step
If you’ve decided you can split lavender in your garden, here’s exactly how to do it without causing unnecessary damage.
Start by watering the lavender plant thoroughly a day before you plan to split it, as hydrated roots are more flexible and less likely to break.
Prepare the new planting holes ahead of time, mixing in some sand or grit if your soil is heavy, because lavender hates wet feet.
1. Dig Around The Entire Plant
Use a sharp spade to dig a circle around the lavender, staying about six to eight inches away from the main stems.
Gently lift the entire root ball out of the ground, trying to keep as much soil attached to the roots as possible.
Once the plant is out, shake off excess soil so you can see the natural divisions in the root system.
This is the moment where you’ll be able to tell if you can split lavender easily or if you’ll need to use a knife.
2. Separate The Root Ball Into Sections
Look for natural breaks where the plant has multiple stems emerging from the base, as these are the best spots to divide.
You can split lavender by gently pulling the root ball apart with your hands if the sections come away easily.
If the roots are too tough, use a clean, sharp knife or a sturdy garden spade to cut through the root ball cleanly.
Each section you split off should have a good chunk of roots and at least two or three healthy shoots above the soil.
Discard any old, woody center pieces that have no green growth, as those won’t root successfully.
3. Replant Your Lavender Divisions Quickly
Once you split lavender into sections, replant them as soon as possible so the roots don’t dry out.
Plant each division at the same depth it was growing before, making sure the crown sits just at soil level.
Water the new plants in well, but don’t soak them, because lavender prefers drier conditions once established.
Space your divided lavender plants about eighteen to twenty-four inches apart to give them room to grow.
Keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks until you see new growth, then gradually reduce watering.
Common Mistakes When Trying To Split Lavender
Even though you can split lavender, there are a few pitfalls that often lead to failure, so it’s worth knowing what to avoid.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll give your divisions the best possible chance of thriving in their new spots.
1. Splitting Lavender At The Wrong Time Of Year
One of the biggest mistakes is splitting lavender in the middle of summer or during a hot, dry spell.
The stress of losing roots combined with intense heat is usually fatal for the divisions.
Stick to early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and the plant is in a growth phase.
Remember that you can split lavender successfully only when the weather cooperates with your efforts.
2. Letting The Roots Dry Out
When you split lavender, the exposed roots are very vulnerable to drying out, even if you work quickly.
Have your new planting holes ready before you lift the parent plant, and keep the divisions shaded while you work.
If you can’t replant right away, wrap the roots in damp newspaper or place them in a bucket with a little water.
Dry roots are the quickest way to lose your lavender divisions, so always keep them protected.
3. Overwatering After You Split Lavender
It’s easy to think that newly divided plants need lots of water, but lavender actually hates soggy soil.
When you split lavender, the reduced root system can’t take up much water, so overwatering just leads to rot.
Water once thoroughly after planting, then let the soil dry out between waterings.
After the first couple of weeks, your lavender divisions should be treated like mature plants, meaning very little supplementary water.
This is a mistake many gardeners make, thinking more water equals more success, but lavender prefers the opposite.
So, Can Lavender Be Split Successfully?
Yes, lavender can be split successfully, and it’s a rewarding way to expand your garden without spending a dime.
You can split lavender in early spring or early fall, provided the plant is healthy, well-established, and an English variety.
Splitting lavender rejuvenates old plants, gives you more specimens to fill your borders, and is a fun gardening project.
Just remember to dig carefully, divide into sections with good roots and shoots, and replant promptly in well-draining soil.
Avoid the common mistakes of wrong timing, letting roots dry out, and overwatering, and you’ll be rewarded with thriving new lavender.
We hope this post has helped you understand that lavender can be split, and now you can go ahead and multiply your fragrant favorites with confidence.
Happy splitting, and may your garden be filled with even more of that calming lavender scent.