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transplanting new england aster #945615

Asked September 22, 2026, 1:07 PM EDT

I was given New England asters that grew in the shade and have become very top-heavy. I plan to transplant them to a sunny spot that receives over six hours of sunlight. My question is: should I cut off the top part to help the plant focus on root development, or should I leave the plant intact to maximize photosynthesis? Please advise.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

I would not trim them back. This time of year, they will soon be going dormant, and all above-ground growth will die of naturally once we experience some overnight frosts/freezes. The carbohydrates and other stored resources in the top growth (plus additional carbohydrates from whatever level of photosynthesis it's still capable of carrying out) will be sent down to roots as dormancy approaches, and it would be valuable to the plant to not lose those energy stores.

Just keep the new plants carefully monitored for watering until the ground freezes so the roots, which will be stressed by the move, do not get too dry. Even if the current set of leaves scorches (desiccates and browns on the edges or tips, or if entire leaves are "sunburnt"), since they weren't accustomed to a light exposure as intense as several hours of direct sun, it's not a major health concern for the plant and they can be ignored for now.

Miri

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