Exemplar Horticulture

As with other perennials, care of coneflowers is easy.  Making sure that they have the right conditions--plenty of air circulation, bright exposure and well-drained soil will give you best results.  Echinacea are usually quite tall and would benefit from staking so that you can enjoy the spectacular blooms.  Deadhead the plants regularly once blooming starts and you'll extend the bloom season considerably.  While you can cut them back after they have finished blooming, remember that the lovely bronzy cones develop into seedheads which attract birds in the winter; you may want to wait until early spring before removing the dead foliage and flowers.  Dividing the plants every 2 or 3 years keeps them vigorous and strong.