purple coneflower

It is important to water purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea 'Red Knee High') once a week in spring and summer and every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter. When watering, make sure the soil is moist, but not saturated, and that the plant has good drainage. Water the soil deeply using a watering can or hose, making sure to cover the entire root area and slowly water until the water begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. Avoid splashing and wetting the leaves to minimize the risk of fungus or disease. Do not allow the plant to sit in water, as this can cause rot and cause the plant to die. Water less in winter, as this plant is somewhat drought resistant.

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Red Knee High') requires full sun, meaning it should get direct sun for at least 6-8 hours a day in order to produce the best possible flowering. The particular variety 'Red Knee High' is capable of standing up to harsh dry climates, so a little less sunlight should be fine as long as it gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sun a day. In addition, the purple coneflower also benefits from some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day, when temperatures and the intensity of the sun can be too harsh for the plant to thrive.

Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea 'Red Knee High', should be pruned to control its growth and to maintain vigorous flowering. For best results, start pruning in spring shortly after the plant begins to emerge from the ground. Deadhead spent flowering stems back to a thick set of lower leaves to prevent the plant from going to seed and to prolong flowering. Additionally, at the very end of the flowering season, you can cut the plant back to 1-third of its original height to remove damaged or diseased foliage and encourage the growth of new, healthy stems. This late-season pruning will also help the plant store energy for when it returns in the spring.