purple coneflower

When watering the purple coneflower, water it deeply and thoroughly once a week during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist to about a depth of a few inches—about 2-3 inches is ideal. During the hottest days of summer, increase frequency of watering to twice a week. During cooler seasons, you can reduce watering to once every 10 days or so. Be sure to check the soil for moisture before watering to avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out a bit in between waterings, and avoid wrapping the soil in plastic, which can encourage overwatering.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstern' RUBY STAR) requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. This is best achieved by providing a sunny location in the landscape or bright light indoors. Placing the plant in a south or west-facing window is ideal. Morning sun is thought to be the best for this variety of coneflower. The plant can also tolerate some afternoon sun, though too much can lead to sunscald and foliage burn.

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Hardiness zone 3–8.

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstern' RUBY STAR) should be pruned after the flowering period has passed in order to maintain the plant's health and to keep it looking attractive. Prune the spent flower heads and remove any dead or dying foliage. This should be done by removing the flower heads and foliage back to the point of origin, and by using hand pruners to make precise cuts. Prune earlier in the season to encourage the plant to produce additional flower buds and allow room for new growth. If pruning is needed during the summer months, prune back the tips of the stems to encourage bushier more compact growth. Prune in late winter or early spring to tidy up the plant and remove any dead or dying foliage and flower heads. This will ensure that the plant is healthy and attractive for the next flowering period.

Seed Propagation