Coneflower
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Late Spring to Summer |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| Varies by type. Ranges from 18-48". | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 3-8. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 1-2" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 18-24" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bare Root |
Echinacea, also known by their common name, Cone Flower, are bright, tall and drought-resistant. Echinacea produces colorful, fragrant, daisy-like blooms that bumble bees, hummingbirds and butterflies flock to. Plant en masse to create an amazing display.
Echinacea is a favorite of the herbal medicine industry and one of the greatest wildflowers on the plains. Native to the southeastern U.S.
Plant Echinacea in the spring after all danger of frost has passed in a full sun location in moist but well draining soil.
Soil preparation: The ideal soil is porous and drains well and yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments (peat moss or ground bark). Spread a 3-4" layer of soil amendment, add fertilizer and incorporate together into the soil to a depth of 10".
To plant: Dig a hole 1-2" deep in a sunny (at least 6 hours of direct sun), well drained location. Place the echinacea in hole with roots pointed down and space 18-24" apart. Cover with soil and water. Mulch in extreme climates.
Plants usually rebloom without deadheading, however, prompt removal of spent flowers improves general appearance.
Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.
