Echinacea, Coneflower
Bloom Season: Summer, late summer
Plant Habit: Mounding, upright
Characteristics: Easy care
Water: Medium, light
Fertilize: Every month
Height: 29-36" tall
Width: 18-24" wide
Exposure: Sun
General Information:
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family. It is native to North America and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its potential health benefits. Today, Echinacea is highly valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Echinacea thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It prefers full sun exposure, so make sure to choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the plant's growth and flower production.
Start by preparing the soil in the chosen area of your garden. Remove any weeds or grass and loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your Echinacea plant. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the plant.
After planting, water your Echinacea thoroughly to help establish its root system. Once established, Echinacea is relatively drought-tolerant and only requires watering during prolonged dry periods. Echinacea generally does not require heavy feeding. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring should be sufficient.
Echinacea is a low-maintenance plant, but there are a few maintenance tasks to keep in mind. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages continuous blooming and prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively. In late fall or early spring, you can cut back the stems to about 6 inches above the ground to promote new growth.
Echinacea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally attract aphids or experience issues with powdery mildew. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary. In most cases, a strong blast of water can help control aphids, while improving air circulation can prevent powdery mildew.