purple coneflower

Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea 'Elbrook' ELTON KNIGHT) need to be watered about once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the potting soil. If the potting soil is slow to dry out, water it every other week. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to 3 times a week. Be careful not to overwater, as too much water can cause root rot. Make sure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. A light soaking is best, rather than a single deep watering.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Elbrook' ELTON KNIGHT) is a sun-loving variety of echinacea, and it does best when grown in full sunshine for 6 to 8 hours a day. The plant does well with some direct morning sunlight, but afternoon sun is preferable since it helps the flowers open and bloom for a longer period. If grown in too much shade, the purple coneflower will produce fewer blooms and tend to be shorter and weaker. It is best to provide this plant with a sheltered location that is exposed to the sun but is also protected from strong winds.

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Hardiness zone 3–8.

Pruning for a Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Elbrook' ELTON KNIGHT) should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This is typically when the plant is dormant, so pruning won’t damage the plant. It is important to only prune away the old, dead flowers and leaves–do not cut into the stem or root system. Pruning should be kept to a minimum; only removing damaged, diseased, or dead growth. Once the flowers fade and die, the stem can be cut back to a few inches above the base. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Deadheading is also encouraged to keep the plant looking its best.

Seed Propagation