Coneflower: How to Grow This Perennial Wildflower?

I did not know that black-eyed Susan grows in so many colours. This was my first comment, the moment I encountered a coneflower, and to my surprise, these quite ‘cone-like’ flowers are nothing close to black-eyed susan. 

Belonging to the same plant family, the coneflowers grow in various colours and have petals facing a little downwards, giving a cone-like appearance. 

Ever since I have grown these flowers, my garden has been a visual treat with the added garden benefits that cannot be missed. If you are also starting a garden from scratch and wondering what flowers to grow, explore this perennial plant and add colour to your garden:  

What is a Coneflower: Get to know this Perennial Pollinator Magnet 

Along with the Coreopsis flower, the coneflower also belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. Native to the regions of North America, this plant is hardy to zones 3-9, which means it is extremely cold-tolerant. 

This fall flower produces blooms during the late summer and early fall in different colours right from white to red, yellow, orange, and pink. Whether grown for garden beds or used as an ornamental bloom in home decor and bouquets, it is a versatile and low-maintenance flower. 

But before diving into the detailed growth and care guide, take a look at the scientific classification of the coneflower plant: 

Botanical name	Echinacea purpurea
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Echinacea Moench
Species	Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench

What are the Different Types of Coneflowers? 

Coneflowers have enough variety to fit all your preferences. Some are cultivars of the native species, and some are hybrids that are made by cross-breeding two coneflower species. 

Different colours, petals, and distinctive features—take a look at the coneflower varieties: 

Name	Image	Description
Echinacea ‘Daydream’		Common name: Daydream coneflower  USDA zone: 4-9  Height: 12- 24 inches  Colour: Yellow  Bloom time: Late spring to late summer (earlier than most varieties)
Echinacea x purpurea ‘Balscanery‘		Common name: Double Scoop Cranberry coneflower  USDA zone: 4-7  Height: 23- 25 inches  Colour: Cranberry red  Bloom time: Early summer to fall
Echinacea ‘Firebird’		Common name: Firebird coneflower  USDA zone: 4-9  Height: 24- 36 inches  Colour: Reddish orange  Bloom time: Midsummer to early autumn
Echinacea ‘Flame Thrower’		Common name: Flame Thrower coneflower  USDA zone: 3-8  Height: 30 – 36 inches  Colour: Orangish yellow  Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall
Echinacea purpurea ‘Greenline’		Common name: Greenline coneflower  USDA zone: 3- 8  Height: 18-24 inches  Colour: Pale lime   Bloom time: Late spring to late summer
Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’		Common name: Hot Papaya coneflower  USDA zone: 4-9  Height: 30 – 36 inches  Colour: Orange-red  Bloom time: Midsummer to fall

Also read: What are the Different Types of Lettuce? Uses, Cultivation, and More

How Can I Grow the Coneflower at Home?

Cone flowers are drought-tolerant perennial wildflowers that can be grown easily at home and require minimal care. They come back every year for you to keep relishing the beauty of these blooms: 

Before planting, make sure the following requirements are met.

Soil Type and pH	Sandy loam, well-drained soil. pH – 6.0 – 7.0
Sunlight	6 hours of direct sunlight, or a little shade if grown in warmer regions.
Hardiness Zone	USDA zones 3 – 9
Water	1 inch of water per week (drought-tolerant )
Fertiliser	Balanced slow-release fertilizer ( 6-4-5) NPK (only if required)

I grow the coneflowers using transplanted plants, either bought online or from the nearest plant nursery. The best time to plant cone flowers is during early spring. 

1. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and clean the debris. 

2. Now dig a hole twice the size of the transplant and add compost to the hole to enhance the soil fertility. 

3. Place the root carefully in the root, making sure the crown of the plant is not too deep, as that can suffocate the root. 

4. Make sure the plants are placed 12 inches apart from each other to give them space to grow individually and prevent overcrowding.

5. Add a layer of mulch for moisture retention and to suppress weeds, but not too close to the stem. 

6. Water 1 inch per week in the growing stage. The coneflower plant is drought-tolerant and does not need frequent watering after being established. 

7. Although this perennial wildflower does not need fertiliser, excessive plant food can make the plant leggy, but in case of dire need, I would suggest a slow-release balanced fertiliser( 6-4-5) NPK ratio. 

How to Care for the Cone Flower Plant? 

Care for the cone flower plant is low-effort and rewarding. I never had to worry about going out of my way to maintain my coneflowers. 

However, if you are new to the process, let me share my top 4 care tips for a healthy coneflower plant: 

Method and Image	Description
Deadheading	Pruning coneflowers encourages healthier growth and prevents the spread of diseases. Cut back the plant about 3 inches above the ground.  However, leaving the spent blooms as they are on the plant can promote self-seeding and act as food for pollinating insects.  Pruning is a matter of personal preference and gardening goals in the case of this flower.
Compost and Fertilisers	The coneflowers are not a fan of fertilisers and can survive in average soil conditions as well. I think the best care of the echinacea plants is done by adding a layer of compost during planting.  Also, excessive fertiliser promotes foliage growth rather than flowers.
Propagation	These perennial plants are best propagated every 3-4 years when the plant has reached maturity.  To propagate, take a mature plant and divide it into smaller sections, with every section having an established root system.  Plant these separated roots in a well-draining soil and bright direct sunlight.
Pests and Diseases	Although the cone flower is quite immune to pests like the hyssop flower, always look out for early signs to prevent future damage. Pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and leafhoppers can infect the plant. So, either remove them manually or use an insecticidal soap/ neem oil.

Read next: Bonsai Tree Care: Growing Tips, Ideal Conditions, and Popular Types

Common Issues While Growing Cone Flower With Solutions

Do coneflowers need full sun? Is echinacea a perennial? More such questions trouble gardeners initially and leave them confused, leaving the plant fighting for nutrition. 

Hence, I have curated some common queries I came across while scrolling through Reddit that helped me care for the coneflowers in a better way. 

1. Should I be doing anything to these coneflowers? 

   

   1. As per the description of the Reddit user, letting the blooms as they are is right if the purpose was to let them self-seed and spread. 
   2. Pruning or not is a matter of preference and totally depends on your gardening goals.
2. What’s the deal with my coneflowers? 

   

   1. The stunted petals in the image are likely caused by pest infestations like Aster Yellow disease or coneflower rosette mites. 
   2. Coneflower rosette mites can be treated by simply pruning the plant, but the Aster yellow disease does not have a solution, and the entire plant needs to be removed. 
   3. The exact cause is not visible; hence, it is important to consult a professional gardening expert or service for further analysis. 
3. What’s up with my purple coneflower? 

   

   1. Unlike the previous query, this plant shows a clear sign of the Aster yellows disease due to the damaged center and green petals. 
   2. There is no cure for the disease, and the plant needs to be removed completely before it damages the neighbouring flowers. 

Lab Research and Findings About the Coneflowers

Coneflowers can fight against the cold and can boost immunity. This is not a rumoured claim spreading across cultures but a fact backed by scientific research. 

Here is what science says about the benefits of the coneflowers: 

Study year: 2021 Aim: Assessing the immunomodulatory effects of the Echinacea purpurea extracts.  Sample type: Echinacea purpurea extracts and C57BL/6N mice ( divided into 6 groups)  Key findings: The six groups were divided in the following manner:  No exercise and no extract. Heavy exercise but no extract. Forced swimming and red ginseng (300 mg/kg) Group E is further divided into 3 groups with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w. dosages given to each. The chicoric acid of the coneflower extract at a high dosage, like 200 mg/kg, in this case, is effective in improving the efficiency of the natural killer cells to act as an immunomodulator.   Source: Journal of Medicinal Food

Fun Facts About the Coneflower Plant

The coneflower plant has a deep root system that makes it drought-tolerant, but other than water, it has also stored interesting facts that you must know about this perennial plant: 

1. Just like a fall flower, the sunflower, the Echinacea purpurea, through a process called allelopathy, releases biochemicals that obstruct the growth of the competing plants to avoid competition for resources. 

2. According to the NCBI, the coneflower extracts can be used to reduce the symptoms of a cold. 
3. November 15 is celebrated as World Echinacea Day to honour the purple cone flower as a botanical treasure with various benefits and a symbol of strength and resilience. 

4. The Smooth Coneflower species of the plant has been listed under the Near Threatened species in the IUCN Red List.  

Concluding Remarks 

Growing this tall flower has been a rewarding journey so far. Whether it is relishing the beauty of the cone-shaped petals or enjoying its everlasting charm year after year, coneflower care teaches you how minimal effort yields colourful results. 

If flower gardens with a spectrum of colours are your vibe, the wide variety of coneflowers won’t disappoint you. My favourite part about growing this perennial plant is how it attracts pollinators, which makes planting even more exciting and worth it. 

FAQs 

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