Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
- Look to see if the stems have become woody and bare.
Likely causes
Insufficient Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are long and sparse with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window or light source.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it in your sunniest south facing window.
Lack of Pruning
PossibleHow to tell: The plant looks woody at the base with all the green growth at the very tips of long branches. It has not been trimmed in over a year.
What to do: Prune back the green growth by one third after the plant finishes flowering. Avoid cutting into the old, woody stems as they will not regrow.
Find out what's wrong with your 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.
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When to worry
Legginess is a cosmetic issue that does not kill the plant, but it does make it less productive. It is normal for lavender to get a bit woody at the base as it ages.
Stopping it coming back
Prune your lavender annually after it blooms and ensure it stays in a high light environment.
Lavender: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I cut back woody lavender stems?
- Be careful, as lavender does not easily sprout new growth from old wood. Only prune the green, leafy parts of the stems.
- Will my leggy lavender fill back in?
- With more light and proper pruning, it will become bushier over time. It may take a full growing season to see a significant difference.
More problems with Lavender
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.