Why do we love bushy, thistle-like plant so much? Explore with me further to find out the cornflower’s many wonderful qualities and why, in my humble opinion, it’s an essential perennial for garden borders. Follow our cornflower grow guide and get your own gorgeous blooms growing today! Also known as the “perennial cornflower”, this spreading evergreen has been grown in English gardens for centuries and its popularity continues to this day. Pair purple coneflowers with yellow and orange rudbeckia for a dramatic display of color all summer long.The Centaurea montana flower was introduced to Britain from mainland Europe’s woodlands and mountain meadows sometime in the 16th Century. Water well until the plant is established in the new area. Be sure to dig deep and get the entire root ball if you choose to transplant echinacea.
These hardy plants transplant well and can be divided in the spring to create additional plantings. Once established, purple coneflowers return each year in a larger clump making them a great addition to any perennial garden. Simply rub the seed head with your hands to loosen the seeds and plant them in a new location. You can harvest seeds in the fall, particularly if birds are a problem. Although cold stratification is reportedly not required for germination, it does seem to increase the germination rate. Any seed heads that remain can be picked to harvest seeds. Remove any debris and clip off old stalks to allow them to grow. Watch for young shoots to emerge around the base of the plant in early spring.I prefer to leave the foliage intact so it is easier to identify in the spring. Although you can cut the foliage back once it has been killed by frost, these plants are attractive and hold their shape throughout the winter. Allow the last blooms of the season to go to seed as echinacea self sows nicely.Use cuttings for cut flowers. Echinacea makes a wonderful cut flower and adds a splash of color to mixed bouquets, but is equally as impressive in the garden.With regular dead heading, purple cone flower will continue to bloom throughout the summer. Deadhead blooms as soon as they begin to fade to encourage new blooms and prolong the blooming season.Weed around the base of the plant to keep weeds at bay. I prefer to let purple cone flower grow naturally to encourage spreading. Mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds if preferred, but realize that mulch may prevent the plant from spreading in future years.An application of high phosphorus fertilizer just prior to blooming encourages large, brightly colored blooms. Apply water soluble fertilizer for blooming plants as soon as the seedlings are 4 inches high. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge and are fully established.Scatter seeds on well cultivated soil and cover lightly. These hardy plants withstand spring frosts and are often several inches high before other flowers emerge in the spring. Start echinacea purpurea from seed in the early spring.Although they may survive in a shadier area, echinacea loves the sun and does best when planted in an area that receives plenty of afternoon sun. An area that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. Select a sunny locationfor purple cone flowers.
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