Can You Split a Lavender Plant? Yes – Here's How

By Robert Taylor · January 8, 2025

Yes, you can split a lavender plant to propagate new plants, rejuvenate overgrown clumps, and improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease. The best time to divide lavender is in early spring or early fall when the plant is not flowering and temperatures are mild.

Why Divide a Lavender Plant?

Dividing lavender offers several benefits for both plant health and garden management. Over time, lavender can become woody and sparse in the center, reducing bloom production and overall vigor. Division helps maintain youthful growth and extends the plant's lifespan.

Key Benefits of Dividing Lavender

Rejuvenates aging plants
Increases your stock of lavender without purchasing new plants
Improves airflow around the base, reducing fungal disease risk
Controls plant size and prevents overcrowding
Encourages denser foliage and more abundant flowering

When Is the Best Time to Split Lavender?

Timing is crucial when dividing lavender. The ideal window is during periods of moderate growth and low stress.

Region	Best Spring Window	Best Fall Window	Lavender Survival Rate After Division
USDA Zones 5–7	March–April	September	82%
USDA Zones 8–9	February–March	October	88%
USDA Zones 10+	January–February	November	76%
UK & Western Europe	April–May	August–September	85%

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that lavender divided in recommended seasons has a survival rate above 75%, with optimal results in temperate climates (Zones 8–9). Earlier spring division in warmer zones and later timing in cooler areas aligns with soil temperature needs for root establishment.

How to Split a Lavender Plant: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to successfully divide your lavender and ensure healthy regrowth.

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp spade or garden fork
Bypass pruners
Gloves (lavender stems can be rough)
Compost or well-draining soil mix
Watering can or hose

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare the Plant: Water the lavender a day before division to reduce transplant shock.
Dig Up the Entire Root Ball: Use a spade to cut around the plant 6 inches from the base, then lift it carefully.
Inspect the Crown: Look for multiple rosettes (individual growing points) emerging from the base—these are ideal for separation.
Divide the Clump: Use your hands or a sharp knife to gently pull or cut the root ball into sections, each with healthy roots and green growth.
Trim and Replant: Cut back woody parts and replant divisions at the same depth they were growing before. Space them 18–24 inches apart.
Water In: Provide consistent moisture for the first 2–3 weeks until new growth appears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dividing Lavender

Dividing too late in fall: Roots may not establish before winter freeze.
Using dull tools: Crushed roots increase infection risk.
Leaving divisions too small: Each section should have at least 3–5 shoots and a robust root system.
Overwatering after transplanting: Lavender hates wet feet—ensure excellent drainage.
Dividing old, woody plants: Lavender older than 5 years may not recover well. Consider replacing instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dividing Lavender

Can you divide lavender in summer?

No, it’s not recommended to divide lavender in summer. High temperatures and active flowering increase stress, leading to poor recovery. Wait until early fall or spring when conditions are cooler and the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.

How often should you divide lavender plants?

Lavender should be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor. After this period, plants tend to develop a bare, woody center and produce fewer flowers. Regular division keeps them compact and productive.

Can you grow lavender from cuttings after splitting?

While splitting involves dividing the root ball, individual sections can also be used to take softwood cuttings in spring. However, the divisions themselves are already established plants and typically don’t require further propagation unless you want to multiply them further.

What does a healthy lavender division look like?

A healthy division has firm, white roots, green leafy shoots, and at least three growing points. Avoid sections with mushy roots, excessive woodiness, or no new growth, as these are unlikely to survive.

Do lavender plants need special soil after division?

Yes, lavender thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–8.0). Amend the planting hole with compost and sand or gravel to improve drainage. Avoid rich, water-retentive soils that promote root rot.