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Coneflower - Wild
Seed Packet

Coneflower - Wild

Echinacea purpurea
Great spangled fritillaries, swallowtails, and more will make great arcs around these showy native flowers alighting, again and again, to feast on the abundant nectar in the large cone centers. Once found in abundance in Central and Eastern states into Southern New England. Used medicinally by Native Americans, it is used today for its immune-boosting and infection-fighting properties, the roots employed in crafting healing tinctures.
SKU #S1309
$3.25
Growing Companions
Coneflower 'Cheyenne Spirit Mix'
Coneflower 'Cheyenne Spirit Mix'
Grass-leaved Goldenrod
Grass-leaved Goldenrod
Rattlesnake Master
Rattlesnake Master
Grass - Giant Feather
Grass - Giant Feather
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
35
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
2.5-3' h x 1.5-2' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Lilac purple
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"
Sprout Time:
14-21 days
Starting Indoors:
Sow in late winter and keep at 60-65°F. An initial moist stratification period with temperatures of 40°F for 3-4 weeks may increase germination rates, but is not essential.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in earliest spring or late summer to fall.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Coneflower is a butterfly magnet and is welcome in borders with other summer bloomers or added to meadow plantings of grasses and other pollinator favorites. A host plant to some butterfly caterpillars, they attract beneficial insects, bumblebees and the stiff stems add bee-friendly nesting sites. They handle hot summer weather and are often cut and added to bouquets. The bristly cone centers are wonderfully decorative and offer seeds for goldfinches later in the season. As summer progresses, stop deadheading to develop an abundance of ripe seed heads. It self-sows onto the bare ground for a growing patch over time. Cut back dead stems in early spring and divide if needed in spring or early fall.
Final Spacing:
1-1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Water regularly the first season while establishing, then only during especially dry, hot spells.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Provide with about 2" of compost annually in early spring—too much fertilizer will cause the plants to become leggy.
Diseases & Pests:
Echinacea is rarely troubled by pests or diseases, though it may be susceptible to aster yellows. While not a fatal issue, it may cause unsightly foliage issues and is incurable; remove diseased plants promptly to avoid spreading. Prevention via insect control and weeding (especially removal of other daisy-like plants, such as dandelions) is quite helpful.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when flowers are 3/4 open.