Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Stokes' aster: when and how to prune
Stokesia laevis
Stokes' aster is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Stokes' aster: when to prune it?
In March, before the new leaves come through. In summer, remove faded flowers.
What else to prune in those months? March
Stokes' aster: how to prune it?
- In March, cut dead leaves and old flower stems back to just above the leaf rosette.
- In summer, cut faded flowers off with a short piece of stem, down to a side bud.
- Leave the green foliage in place: it protects the crown in winter.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Stokes' aster flowers in July–September, 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 back in autumn: the foliage protects the crown from wet winter cold.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Stokes' aster · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.