Echinacea
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
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Sow seeds indoors
Sow seeds in trays or modules around , 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
Move seedlings on when the first true leaves appear, from . Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and pot them on into individual small pots.
Harden off plants
Acclimatise young plants gradually from 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
Plant in a sunny, free-draining spot from at apart. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep an eye on slugs around fresh growth.
Water and establish
Keep plants evenly moist through while roots settle. Water at the base in dry spells, but do not leave the soil soggy.
Deadhead flowers
Remove faded flowers from 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
After flowering finishes and the top growth dies back, cut stems down during . 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.
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Brussels Sprouts
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Calabrese
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