MrILoveTheAnts. Interesting comments :) I have no clue why they say to cut the plant back. I would be leaning to just let Mother Nature take her course with this plant and not cut them back. But then, I would not plant the crysanthemum period, like I said, I don't like them, I don't mind the Asters.
I know it bugs me too. You see these two types of plants EVERYWHERE for sale, and I think that they are gawdy and overrated. I plant them only for the bees. I actually bought and planted a very pretty light yellow fall Aster, because I loved the shade of yellow. But I haven't seen a single bee on it, which surprised me. But it is pretty, it is out the back, the only yellow plant in the bee gardens that are about 95% blue coloured flowers, it kind of stands out and looks very cool. I'll take a picture of it when it stops raining, eeeks....rain, rain, rain. Have a wonderful day, best of this great life. Cindi