Asters are, without exaggeration, true flowering wonders. This not only benefits the bee world. You too can enjoy the colorful and long-lasting flowers. But every now and then a cut makes sense to preserve or lengthen the flower blossom, etc.

Pruning keeps the aster in shape

Reasons that speak for a cut

Asters can become true giants in the perennial border. They like to grow to a height of 150 cm and are not modest in width either. This is also the first reason why pruning is not a mistake: it stops growth. You can keep your aster small and dainty with the right pruning. But that only applies to perennial species.

Here are other reasons that (can) make cutting significant:

  • Use as a cut flower
  • prolongation of the flowering period
  • Prevention of self-seeding
  • saving of forces
  • rejuvenation
  • Obtaining cuttings for propagation

Radical pruning in spring

In the spring you should prune your asters radically, to just above the ground. Conventional pruning shears are sufficient for this. You should not make this radical cut in autumn! If you cut down the perennial in autumn, you will lose its shoots, which protect them from frostbite and moisture in winter.

Treat yourself to a makeover every 3 to 4 years

Over the years, asters become lazy. Not only a division of the rootstock helps. You should also topple the perennial every 3 to 4 years. To do this, very lignified and old parts of the plant are simply removed completely.

Regularly cut off old flowers during the flowering period

Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter aster - if you regularly cut off the old flowers of the plant during the flowering period, new flowers will form. In addition, the aster does not have to invest unnecessary energy in the production of seeds. She stays happier.

A summer cut to encourage better branching

In the case of borage and smooth-leaf asters, pruning in the summer is also recommended. Cut back the plants by a third around June. As a result, they branch better and thus there is more space for flowers.

Pruning to get cuttings

Last but not least, you can use scissors to obtain shoots for cuttings. That's how it's done:

  • Cut off 10 cm long shoots
  • remove lower leaves
  • put in pots with potting soil (preferably a mix of sand and soil)
  • moisten the substrate
  • Put a plastic bag over it
  • ensure even moisture
  • Poorly hardy in the first winter, so hibernate
  • plant out in May

tips

As cut flowers, asters are good and keep in the vase for a long time. But don't be too cocky! Aster blossoms provide important bee pasture in the fall.

Category:

Vegetable garden