How to Prune Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are identified by their spiky central cones. Originally, they only were available in mauve or pink, but today there are several shades available due to cross pollination. They are native to the meadows of the central plains and can be found growing wild across many states. Knowing how to prune them will keep your coneflowers blossoming longer and the plants bushier.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Pruning sheers

1. Cut off any dead plant material in the spring before the vigorous growth starts. Some of it will pull away easily from the plant, but tougher stems might have to be cut off with pruning sheers.
2. Look at your coneflower plant and try to locate the flowerheads that have already blossomed and dried up. Some of them will be turning into seeds, and if they are not removed the plant will stop blossoming. Cut them off, removing the stem all the way back to the first set of leaves.
3. Trim back the plant during midsummer if it is getting too leggy. Cut back the stems just about a third and to a point just after a growth bud. This step is not necessary, but it does help the plant get bushier and more attractive.
4. Allow the seedheads to develop as fall approaches. They look very striking and also provide food for the birds. After you have grown the plant in one area for about five years, a coneflower plant may get too large for the flower bed. In this case, dig it up and divide the roots with a sharp saw or landscaping spade. You can transplant the new sections separately.