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Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

FlowersPerennialFrost Hardy

Sturdy coneflower with medicinal properties, widely used in herbal remedies. Seed heads left standing in winter feed goldfinches.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterLowCalculate watering amount
Height60–120 cm
Spread60 cm
Spacing45 cm
Row Spacing60 cm
Germination10–21 days
To Harvest120–180 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

None

Toxicity

SeverityNon-toxic

Echinacea purpurea is non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats according to the ASPCA. It is widely used in herbal medicine; however, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun (6-8 hours); tolerates light partial shade but flowers best in full sun.
SoilWell-drained, average to slightly sandy soil; tolerates poor soils and a wide pH range (6.0-7.0). Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.
Sowing Depth0.5 cm
Planting Depth5 cm
WateringWater regularly after planting until established; once mature, echinacea is very drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingMinimal fertilizing needed; a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilizing causes leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Care Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; leave some seed heads in fall for birds and winter interest. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring.

Common Pests

Japanese Beetles

Symptoms: Skeletonized leaves and chewed flower petals, leaving only the vein network.

Treatment: Hand-pick beetles in the morning; apply neem oil or use targeted insecticides for heavy infestations.

Prevention: Apply milky spore or beneficial nematodes to lawn areas to reduce grub populations; use floating row covers during peak beetle season.

Aphids

Symptoms: Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on stems and new growth; curled or distorted leaves and sticky honeydew residue.

Treatment: Spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.

Prevention: Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization that promotes soft growth.

Eriophyid Mites

Symptoms: Distorted, rosette-like flower heads ("coneflower rosette mite"); tufted or green, stunted blooms instead of normal petals.

Treatment: Remove and destroy affected flower heads immediately; no chemical treatment is reliably effective once symptoms appear.

Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing them to the garden; remove and dispose of infected plants to prevent spread.

Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, often starting on lower foliage; leaves may yellow and drop prematurely.

Treatment: Apply fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays; remove and destroy heavily infected foliage.

Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing; avoid overhead watering and water at the base of the plant instead.

Bacterial Leaf Spot (Pseudomonas/Xanthomonas)

Symptoms: Dark, water-soaked spots on leaves that may develop yellow halos; spots can merge and cause leaf dieback.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected leaves; copper-based bactericides can help limit spread but will not cure infected tissue.

Prevention: Avoid overhead irrigation and working with plants when foliage is wet; provide adequate spacing for air circulation.

Aster Yellows (Phytoplasma)

Symptoms: Distorted, greenish flowers; stunted growth; abnormal leaf-like structures replacing petals (phyllody).

Treatment: No cure exists; remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent spread by leafhopper vectors.

Prevention: Control leafhopper populations with insecticidal soap or row covers; remove nearby weeds that can harbor the phytoplasma.