When should I prune my lavender?

Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers fades. Avoid cutting into the old, woody stems as they do not grow back well.

Does my lavender need plant food?

No, lavender thrives on neglect. Adding fertilizer often results in lots of leaves but very few flowers.

French lavender: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Count the hours of direct sunlight the plant receives.
Check if you have been adding fertilizer to the soil.
Look for signs of new growth that might turn into buds.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks green and healthy but never develops flower buds. It may also look slightly stretched or thin.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full, direct sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If it is in a pot, rotate it occasionally so all sides get light.
Excessive Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but no flowers. This happens when the soil is too rich in nitrogen.
What to do: Stop all fertilizing immediately. French lavender prefers poor, rocky soil and does not need extra nutrients to bloom.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your french lavender

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant is in full sun and still not blooming by mid summer, it might be too young or pruned at the wrong time. It is normal for young plants to skip a season while establishing roots.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in a sunny spot with lean, sandy soil and avoid adding compost or fertilizer.

French lavender: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your french lavender and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

When should I prune my lavender?: Prune lightly after the first flush of flowers fades. Avoid cutting into the old, woody stems as they do not grow back well.
Does my lavender need plant food?: No, lavender thrives on neglect. Adding fertilizer often results in lots of leaves but very few flowers.

Why is my French lavender not producing any flowers?