Echinacea purpurea is also known to garden lovers as coneflowers, false coneflowers or purple coneflowers. We explain what to consider when looking for an ideal location for the perennial.
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Light areas preferred
When caring for Echinacea outdoors, well-lit locations are ideal. The mock coneflower thrives in bright locations and thrives in full sun. It is no problem to take care of the purple coneflower where there is no shade at all during the day. The better the light conditions, the more abundantly the Echinacea purpurea will bloom. In a semi-shaded location, the flowers will be a bit sparse, in the shade the coneflower will wither.
The right substrate
The purple coneflower is satisfied with different soils and tolerates both gravelly and loamy, relatively dense soils when cared for outdoors. Good drainage at the site is important for the well-being of the Echinacea, because waterlogging damages the ornamental shrub. Well-aerated, not too loose substrate is just right for the false coneflower.
Did you know that by digging up you can improve the soil quality of loamy soils? Mix some sand under the substrate for better aeration.
The right soil for the Echinacea purpurea is always moist, but not too wet. The root ball must not dry out. Another important condition for long-lasting flowering of the purple coneflower is the adequate supply of nutrients. If the garden soil itself is not rich enough in nutrients, the echinacea needs regular fertilizer application at the location. A conventional liquid fertilizer for flowering garden plants is the right solution here.
Coneflowers on the patio or balcony
It is no problem to cultivate the ornamental perennial on a sunny terrace or on a well-lit balcony in a tub or raised bed. The coneflower should therefore get enough light and be protected from the wind. For a successful Echinacea culture, nutrient-rich potting soil or simply the soil from the garden is suitable. In winter, however, buckets should be protected from the cold with fleece.
Site conditions at a glance:
- Bright, likes full sun
- Tolerates partial shade
- Loamy to gravelly soil
- High nutrient requirement
- Suitable for tub culture
frequently asked Questions
Yes this is not a problem. The plant is very compatible with delphiniums, phloxes and sage.
Yes, you can transplant this perennial in the fall after flowering.
As long as it is in a sunny location, it is not a problem. This plant, which can reach a height of 100 centimetres, will not do well in windy locations.
No, the echinacea is an outdoor plant. Neither the ambient temperatures nor the lighting conditions in the living rooms and conservatories suit this perennial.
No, the false coneflower is hardy and does not have to hibernate frost-free.
