The bees have lost interest, once-vibrant purple heads have faded, and its signature scent is no longer as strong as it was at the height of summer. But what should you do with your lavender in October to give it the best chance of success next spring?
'October is a crucial month for lavender, so it's important to get it right now, so you'll be rewarded with healthier, more fragrant plants next summer,' says Victoria Parkinson, gardening expert at Arctic Cabins. 'The key is to act early in the month, then leave your plants well alone to harden off before winter.'
While it can be tempting to hack back your plant, the best thing to do is, well, not a lot.
'The overarching message for October is simple, and that's just to give a light trim early in the month, then leave your lavender alone to face the winter in peace,' adds David Denyer, gardening expert at Eflorist. 'That little bit of restraint now is exactly what will give you healthier, more fragrant plants next year.'
Keep reading for a list of the jobs to tick off in October:
1. Give your lavender a final light trim (but no pruning)
'If you haven't already trimmed your lavender after flowering, early October is your last chance for a tidy-up,' says Victoria. 'Remove old flower stems and trim back about 2cm of the current year's green growth to keep the plant compact.'
When cutting back your lavender, never cut into the old, bare wood, as lavender rarely regrows from it. Don't cut beyond mid-October, so the plant has time to harden off before the first frosts.
2. If frost is close, step away from the secateurs
While the first frost doesn't settle across the UK until early November, you'll want to put your secateurs down during those chillier days.
'If you're in late October and frost is imminent, it's far better to leave your lavender alone and do a light tidy in late February or March instead,' says Victoria. 'Cutting back lavender now leaves freshly cut stems vulnerable to frost, which could kill the plant. Your lavender can wait until spring.'
3. Make sure it's not sitting in soggy soil
Lavender hates sitting in soggy soil, so remove leaves or old foliage from around the base of the plant to avoid rotting. 'If your soil is heavy, add grit around the base and avoid mulching right up to the stems, which traps moisture,' says Victoria.
It's also best to avoid watering established plants unless autumn is exceptionally dry.
4. Think about repotting
Repotting your lavender in October is a great way to ensure it gets the space it needs to grow stronger next spring.
'Over time, container plants naturally become rootbound, meaning the roots circle tightly around the inside of the pot, restricting their ability to absorb water and nutrients,' explains David.
'If left too long, this can result in weaker growth, reduced flowering and plants that dry out much more quickly during warm weather. Choose containers for your plants that are around one size larger than their current pot, as moving to an overly large container can increase the chance of winter rot from too much wet compost collecting around the roots.'
5. Check for signs of disease or pest damage
Before the bitter chill of winter sets in, check your plant for any signs of trouble. Look out for yellowing or drooping leaves, blackened stems, or a white fuzzy coating, which can indicate root rot or fungal issues.
'If you spot any diseased stems, cut them back to healthy growth and dispose of the material in the bin rather than the compost heap, as fungal spores can survive composting and reinfect your garden later,' says David. 'A quick inspection now means you can tackle problems before they take hold over winter.'
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