Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a hardy member of the Daisy family. Furthermore, they are perennials that will produce blooms from early summer until the first frost of fall.
These are fast-growing, drought-tolerant plants and will re-seed themselves. Coneflowers have flat-faced open blooms and raised cone-like centers that are filled with seeds that attract butterflies and birds.
They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. So, how do you grow Coneflowers? Use these growing tips and plant some this spring.
Growing Location
Select a location that is in full sun and away from tall structures or trees that might shade the coneflowers. The plant will reach a mature height of 2-4 feet (60 – 120 cm) and will slowly spread to fill in the area.
The plants are not picky about soil conditions and will tolerate almost any soil. However, they will grow best in soil rich with organic matter.
Planting Time
You can plant plants or seeds outdoors in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Nevertheless, if you grow coneflowers from seeds, it could take up to 3 years before the plants will produce blooms. Once established, you should allow the coneflowers to grow undisturbed. They will re-seed themselves and produce blooms each year.
How to Plant Coneflowers
Place plants 2-feet (60 cm) apart or thin seedlings to 2-feet (60 cm) apart. Place plants in prepared soil that has plenty of organic matter (compost, shredded leaves) and barely cover roots with soil. Water plants or seeds thoroughly.
Add a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) layer of compost on top of soil followed by a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of organic mulch.
Coneflowers need good air circulation between the plants to prevent diseases. Planting 2-feet (60 cm) apart is needed for healthy coneflowers.
After Care
Coneflowers are native plants that require very little care. Faded blooms can be dead-headed to keep plants looking neat and to encourage more blooms.
Do not feed coneflowers and only water during times of extended drought.
You can cut back plants to ground level in late fall to keep the garden looking tidy. Add a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of organic mulch on top of cut-back coneflowers.
Coneflower Health Benefits
Echinacea (coneflowers) is a popular herbal remedy used to prevent colds, flu, and upper respiratory conditions.
The flowers and plant leaves are dried and used to make health-benefiting tea. The plant contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Many herbal remedies contain echinacea.
Plant facts
| Genus | Echinacea |
| Light | full sun, part shade |
| Soil type | chalk, loam, sand |
| Soil drainage | well drained |
| Height x Width | 1~4 x 1~3 feet (30 ~120 x 30 ~ 90 cm) |
| Flowering seasons | Spring, Summer, Autumn/Fall |
| Life span | perennial |
| Plant hardiness zones | 3 – 10 |
You may be interested in reading the other posts like below:
“How To Make Roasted Dandelion Tea From Your Garden”, here.
“How to Grow Calendula and What it can be Used For”, here.
*This article is not intended to be medical advice, so please do not rely solely on the information provided in this article for your health.
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