Description
Very strong, well-branched, plants produce large single daisies in coral-pink color and bronze cones. Color is strong and lasts for months in the garden. The flowers are excellent for cutting and attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the central to southeastern United States. Easy-to-grow plant is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Plants bloom with showy, daisy-like flowers from mid-summer until first frost. Excellent choice for perennial border, natural meadow, butterfly or pollinator garden, or wildflower garden.
How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.
Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.
Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.
After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.
“Deadhead”, remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous flowering and prevent seed development.
Remove and discard foliage after a hard frost in fall.
In colder regions, apply another layer of mulch (1-2 inches) after the ground freezes in fall. Evergreen boughs (from Christmas trees) provide additional protection. Remove this mulch in the spring.
Divide perennials when plants become overcrowded, bloom size begins to diminish or plants lose their vigor. Divide Echinacea every 3-4 years. Divide in spring or fall. When plants are dormant in spring or fall, dig clumps from the ground and with a sharp knife or spade, cut into good sized divisions, each with several growing eyes and plenty of roots. Remove any dead or unhealthy plant parts and cut back stems. Replant one division where the plant was originally and plant the extra divisions elsewhere in your garden or give them away to gardening friends. Plant the divisions immediately, or as soon as possible, and water well.
Tips
Many gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.
Cut flowers when blooms open. Cones may also be cut for dried arrangements.
Echinacea is a terrific plant for the pollinator garden.
