can you tell me what kind of plant this is and what I should do for winter preparation? Cut it back? - Ask Extension
I live in Woodbury. A friend have me two of these plants two years ago. Now it is huge, this is the first year it bloomed. It is very tall, at leas...
Knowledgebase
can you tell me what kind of plant this is and what I should do for winter preparation? Cut it back? #493007
Asked October 31, 2018, 4:24 PM EDT
I live in Woodbury. A friend have me two of these plants two years ago. Now it is huge, this is the first year it bloomed. It is very tall, at least 3 feet. Wondering if I can cut it back so it will be not so tall (tipping over) instead if it would become fuller? Thank you for your help.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
It's a New England aster:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/new-england-aster
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b540
You can reduce the height and increase bushiness by pinching back the plant in mid-summer. But even then, you may have to stake it, especially if the site is not full-sun.
You can (although you don't have to) cut it down to the ground after the blooms are finished, but that won't affect its height next year.
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/new-england-aster
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b540
You can reduce the height and increase bushiness by pinching back the plant in mid-summer. But even then, you may have to stake it, especially if the site is not full-sun.
You can (although you don't have to) cut it down to the ground after the blooms are finished, but that won't affect its height next year.
