Also called coneflower, echinacea is a tough, beautiful prairie native with pink-purple petals surrounding a spiky orange-brown center. Long-blooming, drought-resistant, and irresistible to pollinators.
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Sunlight
Full sun, 6+ hrs
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Water
Low, drought-tolerant
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Type
Perennial (zones 3–9)
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Soil
Average, well-drained
Growing Basics
Echinacea is a perennial in Minnesota (zones 3–9). It comes back reliably every year and gets bigger and better over time.
Bloom time: Midsummer through fall (typically July–September in Minnesota). Seed-grown plants may bloom lightly the first year and more fully from the second year on.
Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily). Tolerates light afternoon shade.
Soil: Average, well-drained soil. Echinacea is a prairie native — it does not need rich or amended soil. Good drainage is more important than fertility.
Transplanting: Plant in spring after the last frost. Plant at the same depth as in the pot. Space 18–24" apart for good airflow.
Watering: Water regularly the first season while roots establish. Once established, echinacea is very drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering.
Fertilization: Typically not needed. A light top dressing of compost in spring is sufficient.
Perennial Notes
These plants were grown from seed this year. They'll establish strong roots in year one and typically bloom more prolifically starting in year two.
Leave the cone-shaped seed heads standing through fall and winter — they're architectural and goldfinches eat the seeds.
Cut back to the ground in early spring as new growth emerges.
Established clumps can be divided in spring every 3–4 years. They resent root disturbance, so divide only when truly crowded.
One of the best pollinator plants you can grow — bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all visit regularly.
