We cut ours mid spring every year, within a few inches of the ground (that's as low as we can get). It will not grow until we do that, and it does grow as soon as we do - it's as if the pruning triggers the new growth.

You could almost watch it and hear it grow. A little rain, a little het and it takes off - it's almost scary.



We only fertilize it at the beginning of the year. Too much growth and later the wind will knock it down. We selected this one because of the size, and we were hoping it wouldn't invade the yard and it has not. Some do and as big as this is, that could get dangerous.

They are cool in the fall when they bloom - they birds like the seeds. And in the winter, covered in snow.