transplanting lavender

Question

I have 2 mature lavender bushes that I want to move into the sun (are in shady areas but seem OK). Should I prune them back, wait a bit and then transplant? It’s been cold but sunny out here in L.A.

Answer 1

You can successfully transplant Lavender with a little care and preparation.

For your area you should wait to transplant in either fall or early spring.
Prepare and prep the new planting area before digging up the plant.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the old planting hole.
Keep the plant at the same depth in the new hole.
You may want to do a soil test, Lavender grows best in well draining, sandy, loamy soil with a ph between 6 and 8.
Lavender is very susceptible to root rot so make sure you amend the soil if you need to.
When digging up the plant, use a sharp spade and make cuts all around the plant. Keep a nice root ball for the plant.
Water the newly planted Lavender well, generally it is drought tolerant, but no when newly transplanted.
In the first days and weeks water regularly to minimize drying and stress.
Use a trickle or drip watering, do not water from above.
Prior to moving cut back any dead and damaged branches, and all flowers.
When the root ball is brought up you can trim the roots.
Only trim the the soft growth of the plant. Cutting down to woody stems will likely end the plans life.
The first summer the plant is transplanted, cut away all flowers that form.
This will force the growth into the roots to make for a healthier plant.
The first fall cut the plant back by 2/3, but only prune into the soft branches. Aim for 2inches above the woody stems.
This should get your plants off to a healthy and flower filled summer–the 2nd year!