Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:35 pm
Echinacea purpurea is also known to garden enthusiasts as coneflower, false coneflower or purple coneflower. We explain what to consider when looking for an ideal location for the perennial.
Contents
- 1 Bright locations preferred
- 2 The right substrate
- 3 Coneflower on terrace or balcony
- 4 Can I combine this ornamental plant with other perennials?
- 5 Does purple coneflower tolerate a change of location?
- 6 Is this perennial suitable for exposed sites?
- 7 Can this garden plant be cared for indoors?
- 8 Does it make sense to move it to a conservatory during the cold season?
- 9 Author
Bright locations preferred
When caring for echinacea outdoors, well-lit sites are optimal. Purple coneflower feels at home in bright locations and thrives excellently in full sun. There is no problem caring for purple coneflower where there is no shade at all during the day. The better the light conditions, the more abundantly Echinacea purpurea will bloom. In a location in partial shade, the flowering will be somewhat sparser, and in the shade the coneflower will wither.
The right substrate
Purple coneflower is happy with a variety of soils and tolerates both gravelly and loamy, relatively dense soils when grown outdoors. Good drainage at the site is important for the well-being of echinacea, as waterlogging is detrimental to the ornamental perennial. Well-ventilated, not too loose substrate is just right for the false coneflower.
Did you know that you can optimize the soil quality of loamy soils by digging them up? Mix some sand into the substrate to provide better aeration.
The right soil for Echinacea purpurea is always moist, but not too wet. The root ball must not dry out. Another important condition for long-lasting flowering of purple coneflower is the sufficient supply of nutrients. If the garden soil itself is not nutrient-rich enough, the echinacea needs regular fertilizer applications at the site. A conventional liquid fertilizer for flowering garden plants is the right solution here.
Coneflower on terrace or balcony
It is no problem to grow 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 somewhat 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, protect containers from the cold with fleece.
Site conditions at a glance:
- Bright, preferably full sun
- Tolerates partial shade
- Loamy to gravelly soil
- High nutrient requirement
- Suitable for container culture
Can I combine this ornamental plant with other perennials?
Yes, this is not a problem. The plant is very compatible with delphiniums, phloxes and sage.
Does purple coneflower tolerate a change of location?
Yes, you can transplant this perennial in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Is this perennial suitable for exposed sites?
As long as it is in a sunny location, it is not a problem. In windy locations, this plant, which grows up to 100 centimeters high, will not feel comfortable.
Can this garden plant be cared for indoors?
No, echinacea is an outdoor plant. Neither ambient temperatures nor light conditions in living rooms and conservatories suit this perennial.
Does it make sense to move it to a conservatory during the cold season?
No, the false coneflower is hardy and does not need to be overwintered frost-free.