This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Yes, you can split lavender bushes, and doing so is one of the best ways to rejuvenate an older plant and create new ones for free.
If you’ve been looking at your woody, overgrown lavender and wondering if you can split lavender bushes to fix that bare center, the answer is a reassuring yes.
Splitting lavender bushes is a straightforward propagation method that works particularly well on certain varieties, and it gives you more plants to fill your garden with that amazing fragrance.
Keep in mind that while you can split lavender bushes, not every lavender will respond the same way, so timing and technique matter a lot.
In this post, we’ll dig into exactly how to split lavender bushes successfully, when to do it, and what mistakes to avoid so your efforts actually pay off.
Let’s get our hands dirty and explore the world of splitting lavender bushes.
Why You Can Split Lavender Bushes
The reason you can split lavender bushes comes down to their growth habit and how they respond to division.
Lavender plants develop a central woody base over time, and this is where the magic of splitting happens.
When you split lavender bushes, you’re essentially taking that mature plant and dividing the root ball into sections, each with its own shoots and roots.
1. The Growth Habit Makes Division Possible
Lavender grows as a shrubby perennial with multiple stems emerging from a single crown.
This crown naturally produces new growth from the base, which means there are plenty of viable sections to work with.
As long as each division has a good chunk of roots and some green shoots, it has the potential to become a brand new lavender bush.
So yes, you can split lavender bushes because the plant’s structure is designed to support this kind of propagation.
2. Splitting Rejuvenates Older Plants
Older lavender bushes often become woody and leggy, with sparse foliage in the middle.
Splitting lavender bushes is a fantastic way to rejuvenate that tired plant because you remove the old, unproductive center and keep only the healthiest outer growth.
When you split lavender bushes, you’re giving the plant a fresh start, encouraging vigorous new shoots that are more fragrant and fuller.
This is why many gardeners swear by division as a regular maintenance task for their lavender.
3. It’s a Cost-Effective Way to Multiply Plants
Instead of buying new lavender plants every season, you can split lavender bushes and get several plants from just one.
Each division you plant will grow into a mature bush within a year or two, saving you money and giving you more of that lovely lavender to enjoy.
Whether you want to edge a border or fill a sunny slope, splitting lavender bushes gives you the stock you need without spending a dime.
When Is the Best Time to Split Lavender Bushes?
Timing is everything when you decide to split lavender bushes, and getting it wrong can mean losing the plant entirely.
The ideal window for splitting lavender bushes is in early spring, just as new growth begins to appear at the base.
Alternatively, you can also split lavender bushes in early fall, giving the divisions time to establish roots before the first hard frost.
1. Early Spring Division
In early spring, the plant is coming out of dormancy and is full of energy for new growth.
When you split lavender bushes at this time, the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help the divisions settle in without stress.
Aim to split lavender bushes when the soil is workable and the threat of hard freeze has passed.
2. Early Fall Division
If you miss the spring window, you can still split lavender bushes in early fall.
The soil is warm, and the plant is still actively growing roots even as top growth slows down.
Just make sure you split lavender bushes at least six weeks before the first expected frost so the new divisions can anchor themselves properly.
3. Avoid Splitting During Peak Summer Heat
Splitting lavender bushes in the middle of summer is risky because the heat puts immense stress on the divided roots.
The plant will struggle to take up water, and you might lose the divisions to dehydration.
If you absolutely have to split lavender bushes in summer, do it on a cool, overcast day and keep the new plants well-watered.
Step-by-Step Guide to Split Lavender Bushes
Ready to split lavender bushes in your own garden?
Follow this simple process, and you’ll give your lavender the best chance of thriving after division.
1. Prepare the New Planting Spots
Before you even dig up the lavender, prepare the holes where you plan to plant the divisions.
Lavender loves well-draining, sandy soil and full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Dig holes that are slightly wider than the root ball you expect to place in them, and mix in some grit or perlite to improve drainage.
2. Dig Up the Lavender Bush Carefully
Use a garden fork or spade to loosen the soil around the entire lavender plant.
Start about six inches away from the base and work your way around, gently lifting the root ball out of the ground.
Try to keep as much of the root system intact as possible, as this will help each division recover faster.
3. Divide the Root Ball into Sections
Once the plant is out, shake off excess soil so you can see the natural divisions in the crown.
Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, cut the root ball into several sections, each with at least a few healthy stems and a decent amount of roots.
If the center is woody and dead, discard it and keep only the vigorous outer pieces.
4. Plant the Divisions Promptly
Plant each division right away so the roots don’t dry out.
Set the division in its prepared hole at the same depth it was growing before, and backfill with soil, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly after planting, then let the soil dry out before watering again, as lavender hates wet feet.
5. Care for the Newly Split Lavender Bushes
For the first few weeks after you split lavender bushes, keep an eye on moisture levels.
The new divisions need consistent moisture to establish roots, but too much water will cause rot.
Mulch lightly with gravel or grit to keep the soil warm and prevent weeds, but avoid organic mulch that retains moisture.
Common Mistakes When You Split Lavender Bushes
Even though you can split lavender bushes successfully, there are a few pitfalls that can sabotage your efforts.
Avoid these common errors to ensure your divisions survive and flourish.
1. Splitting Very Old, Fully Woody Bushes
If your lavender is more than five or six years old and the entire plant is hard, woody wood with no green growth, splitting may not work.
Woody lavender doesn’t regenerate well from the center, so it’s better to take softwood cuttings from this type of plant instead.
But for younger bushes with visible green shoots at the base, you can absolutely split lavender bushes with success.
2. Planting Divisions in Heavy, Wet Soil
Lavender simply cannot tolerate soggy roots, and this is the number one killer after you split lavender bushes.
If your soil is clay-heavy or tends to stay wet, plant your divisions in raised beds or containers with excellent drainage.
3. Overwatering After Division
It’s tempting to water new divisions frequently, but overwatering is a fast track to root rot.
Water deeply right after planting, then only water again when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
So, Can You Split Lavender Bushes?
Yes, you can split lavender bushes, and it’s a rewarding gardening task that brings new life to old plants.
Splitting lavender bushes is most successful when done in early spring or fall, using a sharp tool and ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots.
Because you can split lavender bushes, you’ll save money, multiply your plants, and keep your garden looking vibrant and full of that iconic lavender scent.
So next time you look at that crowded lavender patch, grab your spade and confidently split lavender bushes for a garden full of fresh, thriving plants.