Echinacea are easy plants to grow providing they receive the correct care and growing conditions. The plants in this selection have been expertly grown and will offer the best start possible to you and your garden, ensuring that it looks its best in high summer/autumn. When plants are delivered you should endeavor to plant them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If you cannot plant immediately after delivery you should keep roots moist and store plants in a cool and bright space until the can be moved outdoors.

Position

Echinacea plants are true sun lovers and so require a position in full sun, although they will also tolerate partial shade to a degree. Plant your Echinaceas in a sheltered position so that tall flowering stems are not damaged and stake or add plant supports if necessary.

Soil

Echinacea enjoy a well-drained, moist and fertile soil. To help improve your soil dig it over with a garden fork or spade and incorporate plenty of organic matter; well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost will be fine. This will help to improve soil structure, drainage and water retention. Drainage is absolutely key when growing Echinacea as they will not tolerate damp soils, especially in winter. You may wish to add horticultural grit or sand to soil to improve it further.  

Care

Although plants prefer a well-drained soil and are relatively drought tolerant you should take care to water plants well after planting and regularly afterwards until established. Fertilise plants regularly in the growing season with a general fertilizer and an application of a liquid seaweed fertilizer that will also help improve plant vigor. A spring mulch of compost will help retain moisture, improve soil and suppress weeds. Remove faded blooms and leaves and add to the compost bin.

Top tip

Echinacea is excellent as a cut flower for the home. Remove select flower stems with Racheting Pruners and combine with other flowers to make a beautiful display.