How to prune hollow joe pye weed

Late winter for annual cutback; late May to early June for height-reduction pinch. Cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground in late winter before new growth emerges. If height is a concern, pinch or trim stem tips back by one-third in late spring; this produces a shorter, sturdier plant with only a short delay in flowering.

Annually (late-winter cutback); optional late-spring pinching as needed. Hollow Joe Pye Weed can reach 7 ft or more and may need a late-spring Chelsea chop to reduce height and encourage branching in exposed sites. Otherwise, the main task is a hard cutback to a few inches above ground in late winter. Leave the seed heads for finches and winter structure.

Cut all stems to within a few inches of the ground in late winter before new growth emerges. If height is a concern, pinch or trim stem tips back by one-third in late spring; this produces a shorter, sturdier plant with only a short delay in flowering.