How to Grow Echinacea

Echinacea are rigid, clump forming perennials with pinnately lobed leaves and tall stemmed solitary daisy-like flower heads, often fashioning bold, vibrant colours throughout summer into late autumn. These often highly fragrant plants are attractive to both bees and butterflies and so encourage a plethora of wildlife into your gardens. These versatile plants will look great within beds and borders or as cut flowers. Echinacea will generally grow to an approximate height of 65cm (26”) and a spread of 30-45cm (12-18”).

Echinacea are best grown in deep, well-drained, humus rich soil of sand, chalk or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Ideally, these plants should be planted in a position of full sun, although they will tolerate part shade. Avoid planting these blooms in damp spots or areas that retain moisture as excessive wet will damage the roots.

Echinacea are generally drought tolerant, although they will benefit from regular watering so please ensure that you are providing your plant with appropriate moisture when necessary. Shearing back your plants in the spring time will result in a better developed bloom that will thrive longer throughout active growth. It is important to regularly deadhead your flowers as this will keep them in bloom all summer and early autumn.

It is possible to propagate Echinacea by division during autumn or spring. However please take note that these plants resent disturbance, so keep this to a minimum.