purple coneflower

For optimal growth and health, purple coneflowers should be watered deeply and infrequently. Water them once or twice a week, depending on how hot and dry it is, providing 1 to 1.5 inches of water per session. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. In the summer months, these plants may need to be watered every 5 days or so in order to maintain moisture and avoid wilting. During the cooler months, reduce watering to once a week or even every 2 weeks. Water until the top several inches of soil are wet and allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus') should receive at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily. In addition, it is best to provide some indirect light for the remaining hours of the day. Do your best to keep the plant in an area where it is not shaded or in direct sun all day long. If you can’t do that, find an area of indirect light where the plant will still get some bright sun, but not be in direct sun all day.

Purple coneflower should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring before they begin to grow anew. Pruning should involve removing any old or damaged stems and trimming the plant back by 1-third of its height. Any flower heads should be left alone as these will provide energy and food for the plant during the growing season. To ensure an abundant flowering display deadheading can be done regularly throughout the summer.