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More commonly, coneflowers are bought as small plants with blooms already on the way. They will spread readily in the right conditions. (Learn more about preparing soil for planting.) When to Plant Coneflowers Coneflowers are very tolerant of poor soil conditions, but they bloom best in soil that’s nutrient rich. Loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and mix in a 2 to 4 inch layer of compost or aged manure. Choose a location where the coneflowers won’t get shaded out nor sit in wet soil. Leave the seed heads after bloom and you’ll also attract songbirds such as goldfinches! As native plants with prickly stems, they are more deer-resistant than most flowering plants, too.Ĭoneflowers are striking when planted in masses, especially as a mix of various colors.Ĭoneflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Coneflowers have raised cone-like centers (hence, their name) which contain seeds that attract butterflies. Their genus name Echinacea comes from the Latin name for hedgehog, echinus, referring to the often prickly lower stem of the plant.
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Hybrids present more colors and sizes but also caveats: Many are sterile, meaning they do not produce viable seed, and they lack genetic diversity. purpurea) is most common, but up to 9 naturally occurring echinacea can be found in purple shades or yellow ( E. Coneflowers love heat and are trouble-free once established in a traditional garden or wildflower meadow. Coneflowers have raised cone-like centers (hence, their name, which attract butterflies and bees. After bloom, the seed heads attract songbirds, such as goldfinches. These fast growers reach 2 to 4 feet in height, flower from midsummer through fall frost, and self-sow prolifically.
DARK PURPLE CONEFLOWER HOW TO
They are native to the eastern and central United States, extending from Colorado south to Texas and north to the Great Lakes. Here’s how to grow this American native in your garden. Coneflowers, aka Echinacea, are tough upright perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae).