Echinaceas in Barne Barton
Echinacea purpurea
A hardy perennial for a sunny border or large container, grown for its daisy-like flowers and useful pollinator value. In UK gardens it does best in free-draining soil and may not flower well until its second year from seed.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Echinacea
Planting Calendar
Sow seeds indoors
18 Jan – 17 FebSow seeds in trays or modules around 18th January - 17th February, using a free-draining seed compost. Keep them at and only cover the seed lightly, as it needs some light to germinate.
Prick out seedlings
16 Feb – 2 MarMove seedlings on when the first true leaves appear, from 16th February. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and pot them on into individual small pots.
Harden off plants
5 Mar – 19 MarAcclimatise young plants gradually from 5th March - 19th March before planting out. Put them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours at first, then extend the time each day over about 10 days.
Plant out
19 Mar – 19 MarPlant in a sunny, free-draining spot from 19th March at apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep an eye on slugs around fresh growth.
Water and establish
19 Mar – 22 NovKeep plants evenly moist through 19th March - 22nd November while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy.
Deadhead flowers
18 May – 22 NovRemove faded flowers from 18th May - 22nd November to keep the display going for longer. Cut stems back to a strong pair of leaves and leave a few heads later on if you want seed for birds.
Cut back dead growth
8 Nov – 22 DecAfter flowering finishes and the top growth dies back, cut stems down during 8th November - 22nd December. Leave a little crown of growth at soil level so the plant goes into winter cleanly.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Echinacea.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Echinacea to consider
Magnus
A reliable purple-flowered form with broad petals and good garden performance.
White Swan
White flowers with orange cones, useful for a softer colour scheme.
PowWow Wild Berry
Compact and free-flowering, with rich pink blooms on shorter stems.
Green Jewel
Unusual green flowers for a more muted planting scheme.
Related Plants
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Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.