Tips On Cutting Back Aster Herbaceous Perennials

Purple flowers in the fall are one of the best things about Aster herbaceous perennials. But after a long winter, you'll want to start cutting back the dead stems in the spring.

• Leave the tops on until spring.  This will maximize the amount of time bees have to finish their harvest in the fall, as they are wildly attrracted to Asters.
• I prefer to leave a few inches of the old stems, but you can cut them all the way to the ground if you prefer.
• Both a pruners and hedge shears will work well for this chore.
• There are short (12") and tall (3') varieties available at garden centers.