How to prune symphyotrichum laeve 'bluebird'

Optional late-spring chop; hard cutback in late autumn. If desired, shear stems back by one-third in late May. After flowering, cut the whole plant to ground level and remove all old stems.

Annually. Smooth aster 'Bluebird' is naturally compact and less prone to flopping than other asters, so the Chelsea chop is optional rather than essential. You can cut stems back by a third in late spring to tighten the habit. Remove the clump to ground level in late autumn after flowers and seed heads fade.

If desired, shear stems back by one-third in late May. After flowering, cut the whole plant to ground level and remove all old stems.