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Flower
Echinacea

Echinaceas in Bristol

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.

Height90cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Echinacea

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Sow seeds indoors

    14 Jan – 13 Feb

    Sow seeds in trays or modules around 14th January - 13th February, using a free-draining seed compost. Keep them at and only cover the seed lightly, as it needs some light to germinate.

  2. Prick out seedlings

    12 Feb – 26 Feb

    Move seedlings on when the first true leaves appear, from 12th February. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and pot them on into individual small pots.

  3. Harden off plants

    1 Mar – 15 Mar

    Acclimatise young plants gradually from 1st March - 15th 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.

  4. Plant out

    15 Mar – 15 Mar

    Plant in a sunny, free-draining spot from 15th March at apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep an eye on slugs around fresh growth.

  5. Water and establish

    15 Mar – 25 Nov

    Keep plants evenly moist through 15th March - 25th November while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy.

  6. Deadhead flowers

    14 May – 25 Nov

    Remove faded flowers from 14th May - 25th 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.

  7. Cut back dead growth

    11 Nov – 25 Dec

    After flowering finishes and the top growth dies back, cut stems down during 11th November - 25th 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.

Also in nearby towns

See how Echinacea timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.