purple coneflower

Water your purple coneflowers deeply and regularly throughout the growing season. To ensure healthy growth, they should receive 1-2 inches of water per week. Plants that are newly planted should be watered more frequently for the first few weeks, as their root systems are not yet established. During particularly hot and dry periods, add an extra inch of water to keep the soil moist and to maximize flowering. Make sure to water the soil, not the foliage, to avoid fungal diseases.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Little Giant') does best when planted in a sunny location, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Though some light shade or filtered sun will also work, the plant will produce more robust blooms with the full sun exposure. Even with ample light, water the plant regularly with about 1 inch of water per week. This will help keep the soil evenly moist.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Little Giant') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Pruning should be light, cutting back only a few of the larger, woodier stems by about a third of their length. This will help keep the plant from becoming overgrown and will also encourage new growth. Deadheading spent flowers during the season will also help maintain a neat, attractive plant.