How to prune rough blazing star

Leave seed heads through winter for wildlife; cut back in late winter to early spring. If deadheading, cut the entire flower spike back to basal foliage after the last flowers fade. For the winter cutback, cut all stems to ground level. Division every 3–4 years in spring rejuvenates congested clumps more than any pruning.

Deadhead as desired; hard cutback once annually. Rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) needs minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flower spikes if you want to prevent self-seeding, or leave them standing — the seed heads feed goldfinches and other birds through winter and provide structure. Cut old stems to the ground in late winter before new basal growth emerges.

If deadheading, cut the entire flower spike back to basal foliage after the last flowers fade. For the winter cutback, cut all stems to ground level. Division every 3–4 years in spring rejuvenates congested clumps more than any pruning.