How to Plant Coneflowers

Coneflower, also called echinacea, is a popular ornamental wildflower grown for its showy, attractive blooms that attract birds and butterflies. Cut coneflowers last up to two weeks in floral arrangements. Coneflowers are a member of the sunflower family native to North America, and were commonly used as medicine by Native Americans–their immune-boosting qualities have led to them being the most medically researched herb. Coneflowers bloom from early summer through late fall and tolerate poor soil and growing conditions, making them a great annual choice for any garden landscape.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Spade
• Organic compost
• Mulch
• Slow-release 12-6-6 fertilizer

1. Find a suitable location in your landscape to plant your coneflowers. Because they grow 2 to 3 feet tall, they look best when planted in the middle or to the back of gardening beds to avoid blocking shorter plants. Coneflowers grow best in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil between 6 and 8 pH.
2. Clear the area of any large tree roots and remove stones and gravel. Dig and loosen the soil to a depth of 4 inches.
3. Add 3 inches of organic compost into the loosened soil and mix until incorporated.
4. Remove the coneflower from the pot and gently loosen the root ball without breaking the roots. Dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with loose soil. Press firmly around the stem to secure the plant. Apply mulch in a 1-inch layer around each plant.
5. Apply the 12-6-6 slow-release fertilizer, mixing according to the package instructions. Water thoroughly. Continue watering every other day or when the soil surface appears dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant coneflowers at least 18 inches apart. They will grow and spread.

• Leave the flower heads on the plant when they are spent. They will reseed themselves.

• Coneflowers need frequent watering, especially during hot summer months.