How to prune ashy sunflower

Early spring for cleanup; deadhead during summer flowering as desired. In early spring, cut all overwintered stems to ground level. Snip spent flower heads just below the bloom if you want to extend flowering; otherwise leave them for birds and self-seeding.

Annual spring cutback; optional deadheading during bloom. Ashy Sunflower is a low-maintenance native perennial. Cut dead stems to the ground in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers can extend the bloom period, but leaving seed heads provides valuable wildlife food. This species spreads slowly and rarely needs heavy pruning.

In early spring, cut all overwintered stems to ground level. Snip spent flower heads just below the bloom if you want to extend flowering; otherwise leave them for birds and self-seeding.