How to prune superba astilbe

Late autumn or early spring before new growth. Use shears or loppers to cut the entire clump — stems, spent plumes, and foliage — to just above ground level. Avoid cutting back in summer as Superba blooms later than most astilbes, typically August.

Once annually. Superba Astilbe is a tall, late-summer bloomer that needs only an annual cutback. Leave the attractive seed heads and foliage standing through autumn for wildlife and winter interest. Cut the clump to ground level in late autumn or early spring. No other pruning is required.

Use shears or loppers to cut the entire clump — stems, spent plumes, and foliage — to just above ground level. Avoid cutting back in summer as Superba blooms later than most astilbes, typically August.