Echinacea: The real dirt on Coneflowers

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Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! If you’re looking to liven up your garden with some vibrant colors and hardy blooms, coneflowers (Echinacea) are the perfect choice. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also tough little plants that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Let's dive into how to plant and care for these sunny beauties!

Getting Started:

Choosing Your Coneflower First things first: know which variety of coneflower you want to plant. The classic purple coneflower is a favorite, but you’ll find a stunning array of colors including white, orange, and even green! Do a little research, or visit your local nursery to see what’s available.

 Planting Coneflowers:

Coneflowers love full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. They’re adaptable but thrive in well-drained soil. The best time for planting is in the spring, after the last frost, or in the fall. This gives them a good head start to establish roots before they bloom and face the heat of summer. Before planting, loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich it. This provides the extra nutrients these flowers insist on!

After planting, water regularly until they are established. Once their roots are in, cone flowers are quite drought-tolerant, needing little water. However, during extremely dry spells, a good soak once a week will keep them happy. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature even. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant stems to prevent rot.

Upkeep of Coneflowers:

Coneflowers aren’t heavy feeders, but a little all-purpose fertilizer in the spring can work wonders for a bigger bloom. Just don’t overdo it – too much fertilizer can actually harm the plants! I use Miracle-Gro 2.04kg Shake n Feed All Purpose Plant Fertilizer. (I have linked the fertilizer that I use below)

SHOP HERE

You now have all the info you need to plant and care for your coneflowers like a pro! As summer rolls around, you’ll be rewarded with a burst of color and the joyful buzz of bees. Plus, coneflowers make fantastic cut flowers, so don’t hesitate to bring some indoors to brighten your space. Now, get out there and get your hands dirty! Happy gardening!

Regina Thompson, Ontrend Interiors