Coneflowers (botanically known as *Echinacea*) are absolute showstoppers, creating a sea of blooms from July all the way through September. But if you want that picture-perfect display, you’ve got to give them a solid head start. Getting the planting process and the spacing just right makes all the difference.
Potted Plants vs. Seeds
While you can certainly grow coneflowers from seed, most of us home gardeners prefer the head start of buying established potted plants. Here’s a pro tip: when you’re ready to plant, try to shake off as much of the potting soil from the roots as possible. That nursery soil is designed to hold onto water, which can actually be a problem during mild, wet winters. If the ground doesn’t freeze, that extra moisture sitting around the roots can lead to rot.
Getting the Spacing Right
To get those magnificent blooms, you need to give your plants some breathing room. A good rule of thumb for spacing is to set them apart by about half of their expected full-grown height. You can usually find the specific height for your variety on the plant tag.
Even if some varieties take a few years to reach their full size, stick to that recommended spacing from day one. This ensures your perennials have plenty of room to develop without crowding each other out. If the garden looks a little sparse at first, don’t worry! You can fill those gaps with low-growing annuals like:
- Rose Mallows (*Lavatera trimestris*)
- California Poppies (*Escholzia californica*)
- Calendula
- Cosmos
Planting in the Garden Bed
For a lush, healthy coneflower display, it pays to prep your planting site first:
- Clear the area of old plant debris, stray roots, and large rocks.
- Loosen the soil well.
- Mix in a little bit of mature compost if your soil needs a boost.
When you’re ready to dig in:
- Dig a hole about 1.5 to 2 times the size of the root ball.
- Keep your spacing in mind based on the variety’s height.
- Give them a good drink of water immediately after planting.
Growing in Containers
Coneflowers do great in pots, too! Just make sure your container has at least one drainage hole to prevent “wet feet.” Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a drainage layer (like gravel or clay pebbles) at the bottom.
- Fill the pot about halfway with high-quality potting soil.
- Set your coneflower in the center.
- Fill in the rest of the soil and press down firmly on the surface.
- Water thoroughly.
If you’re planting in containers, compact varieties are your best bet since they don’t need as much elbow room. Some great choices include:
- *Echinacea purpurea* “Butterfly Kisses”: 12 to 16 inches
- *Echinacea purpurea* “Baby Swan White”: 16 to 20 inches
- *Echinacea purpurea* “Green Jewel”: 16 to 24 inches
- *Echinacea purpurea* “Avalanche”: 20 to 24 inches
