How to grow Echinacea (Coneflower)
Updated October 2026
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a tough, long lived perennial native to the central and eastern United States. Its pinkish purple daisies with dark domed centers bloom from early summer into fall, feeding butterflies and bees, and the seed heads feed birds in winter. It handles heat, humidity, drought and poor soil once established.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Echinacea (Coneflower)
Where to plant
Grow purple coneflower in full sun to part shade, in well drained, moist loam, although it adapts to most soils. NC State notes it is drought tolerant once established and resists deer, heat, humidity and salt. It is hardy to about zone 3 and listed to zone 8, so it suits most of the country; Central and South Florida, the warmest parts of Texas and the low desert are outside that listed range.
Plant in late winter in Florida, the Gulf South, Texas and the desert, in spring in California, the Mid-South, the Mid-Atlantic and the Pacific Northwest, and in May across the North.
Choosing a variety
The straight species, sold as purple coneflower, is the toughest and most reliable, and comes true from seed. Many cultivars are available in white, deep pink and other colors and sizes, such as Alba, Amazing Dream and Avalanche; some newer cultivars have shown good resistance to Phytophthora.
How to plant
- Plant potted plants at the depth they grew, about 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm) apart.
- From seed, sow shallowly in late fall or winter outdoors so the seed gets a cold spell, or chill it in the fridge for a few weeks before sowing in spring.
- Water until established, then only in long dry spells.
Watering and feeding
Once established, coneflowers are drought tolerant and need watering only in prolonged dry spells. Avoid soggy soil, which leads to root rot.
They need little or no fertilizer and grow well in average or poor soil.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead for more flowers in summer, but leave some seed heads standing in fall for birds.
- NC State notes native bees nest in the dead, hollow stems: cut old stems back to 12 to 24 inches and leave them standing until they break down.
- Purple coneflower reseeds itself; move or thin seedlings in spring.
- Divide crowded clumps in spring every few years.
Cutting flowers
Cut stems when the flowers are newly open for long lasting arrangements. The seed heads are also used in dried arrangements.
Companion planting
Coneflowers combine well with other sun loving, drought tolerant pollinator plants.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
NC State reports Japanese beetles and leaf spot as occasional problems, and aster yellows as the most serious disease.
Pests to watch for
- Japanese beetle Chewed petals and skeletonized leaves in early summer.
- Aphids Clusters on stems and buds.
Diseases to watch for
- Aster yellows Deformed, green, tufted flowers and yellowed growth, spread by leafhoppers. Remove and destroy affected plants.
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on leaves in late summer.
- Leaf spot Brown spots on leaves in wet weather.
Common questions
Why are my coneflower flowers green and deformed?
Most likely aster yellows, a disease spread by leafhoppers. There is no cure; remove and destroy affected plants so it does not spread.
Should I cut back coneflowers in fall?
Leave some seed heads for birds. NC State suggests cutting dead stems back to 12 to 24 inches and leaving them standing, as native bees nest in the hollow stems.
Does purple coneflower spread?
It reseeds itself readily and forms larger clumps over time. Thin or move seedlings in spring.
Can I grow coneflowers in Florida?
NC State lists purple coneflower for zones 3 to 8, which takes in North Florida and the Panhandle. Central and South Florida are outside that range, so expect plants to be less reliable there.
Do coneflowers need fertilizer?
Little or none. They grow well in average or poor soil.
Sources we checked: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Echinacea purpurea.
Loading sow calendar…