About
Spreading perennial coneflower about 1m tall, with narrow leaves to 20cm long, and daisy-like flowerheads with narrow, drooping golden-yellow rays to 7cm long, surrounding a conical central brown cone, flowering from midsummer to early autumn; native to prairies of south-central USA.
About the genus
Echinacea are erect, clump-forming rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and solitary, long-stalked daisies with prominent conical central disks and often drooping ray florets; attractive to butterflies
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toS North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich well-drained soil in full sun; poor drainage in winter will lead to losses. A dry mulch in winter is advisable in very cold areas. Leave plants to develop into substantial clumps as they resent disturbance
PruningCut back flowered stems to encourage a long flowering display
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring, but may need a cold spell before it will germinate. Root cuttings can be taken in late autumn or early winter. Propagate by division in spring but this can be unreliable as they resent disturbance
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free