Photo: Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Italian aster: when and how to prune
Aster amellus
Italian aster is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Italian aster: when to prune it?
Cut the old stems back in March, before the new shoots start to grow. Leave them standing all winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Italian aster: how to prune it?
- Cut all dead stems down to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- During flowering, remove faded clusters if you want to keep the plant tidy.
- No other pruning is needed: it stays compact naturally.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Italian aster flowers in August–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Do not cut it back in autumn: the old stems protect the crown of the plant over winter.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Italian aster · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.