Gardening Magazine

"Prune in June" - Boltonia

By John Markowski @jmarkowski0

Here in zone 6B New Jersey, Boltonia typically blooms in late August/September and any blooms that time of year cannot be understated. They have a fantastic flower color and can be statuesque if situated in the right spot where they can be supported by other plants.
Unfortunately, I have struggled to get these perennials to NOT topple over once in full bloom:  

Last year, I finally took things into my own hands and cut them back by 1/2 in early June. By the time they started blooming in September, they were about a foot shorter than normal at 2 1/2 feet:  


The results were a marked improvement from prior years but I still think I can do better and keep them even more upright.
So this year, I waited two weeks longer before cutting the three Boltonia back by 1/2:


Now we wait and see if this will make a difference at all.
Have a great weekend.
John  

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