The cushion aster is just as popular in borders and as a bed border as well as grave planting. The higher growing varieties are also suitable as cut flowers for the vase, as is the closely related smooth-leaf aster.
When and how should you cut cushion aster?
Cushion aster should be cut back by about a third after flowering and just above the ground in late autumn. This promotes new growth in spring, the formation of buds and prevents the plant from aging. Use sharp secateurs for cutting.
The annual pruning
Although the cushion aster is considered easy to care for, regular cutting does it a lot of good. If your cushion aster has finished flowering, you can shorten the plant by about a third, or cut it off just above the ground in late autumn. This will encourage new growth in spring and abundant bud formation.
If you forget to cut back, it won't be a drama, but never cut, then sooner or later your pillow aster will stop or reduce its flowering. Higher-growing varieties, such as the related smooth-leaf aster, tend to age; you can also prevent this by pruning them in good time.
You should remove diseased plant parts not only during annual pruning, but immediately when you notice them. Be sure to use sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) to avoid injuring the plant. It's best to cut off wilted flowers regularly, as they simply look nicer.
Is there an alternative to pruning?
You can also rejuvenate your cushion or autumn asters by dividing the plants. However, you should wait until your aster has finished blooming. If you divide the plants about every two years, your pillow asters will always bloom profusely and the plants will remain he althy. However, division does not replace cutting back.
The cushion aster as a cut flower
The mostly white, pink or purple flowers fit perfectly into colorful bouquets. By cutting regularly you encourage new growth. The cushion aster blooms particularly luxuriantly in a sunny location, where the colors are much more intense. In a mild area and with good weather, you can enjoy it until November.
The most important things in brief:
- Choose slightly taller growing varieties as cut flowers
- annual pruning makes sense
- without cutting there is a risk of aging
- Pruning promotes flowering and branching
- cut just above the ground in late autumn
Tip
If the flowering of your cushion asters decreases over the years, you can encourage the plants to bloom more luxuriantly by pruning them back.
