Pocket BotanistCheck 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your lavender.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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 from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.