purple coneflower

Water Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Butterfly Kisses') deeply, but infrequently. Water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out. Watering once a week should be sufficient in normal weather. During a heat wave, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid over-watering the plant, as this can cause root rot.

Purple coneflower prefers full sun which means it should be grown in an area that receives 6 or more hours of sunlight each day. The flowering season for 'Butterfly Kisses' usually lasts from mid-summer to fall. It is best to plant this species in late spring when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F and the days are longer and sunnier. During the hottest months of the summer, the plant may benefit from afternoon shade to reduce the stress of the heat on the leaves and flowers.

Purple coneflower is an easy-to-care-for perennial plant that requires minimal pruning. For optimum bloom and health, pruning should be done once a year in the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Begin by cutting off the flower stalks just above the base of the plant. This will encourage new growth and a more robust bloom in the summer. If the plant becomes crowded in the center or begins to flop over, you can also cut back some of the stems to within 2-3 inches of the ground. This will allow the plant to re-sprout from the base and become more compact. Use sharp, clean pruners or scissors to keep the cuts neat. Pruned stems can be discarded or composted.