purple coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Frost') should be watered deeply but not too frequently. Once established, this plant typically thrives in dryer conditions, so it's important not to overwater it. Water once a week during the spring and summer, and only water if the soil is dry. In the fall, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks, and in the winter, water sparingly once a month.

Purple coneflower needs full sun exposure, from 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, to thrive and grow. The optimal amount of direct sunlight for 'Prairie Frost' Echinacea purpurea is either 4–5 hours in the morning, or 5–6 hours in the afternoon. This species prefers direct sunlight in the early afternoon, as opposed to morning or late afternoon sun which is generally more harsh and intense.

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Hardiness zone 3–8.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Frost') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning them involves cutting the stems back to about 1 third of their height. This encourages healthy, dense growth and more flowers. After flowering has finished (usually in late summer), additional pruning can be done to shape the plant. It is best to leave the seed heads until winter or early spring when they can be plucked off to eliminate volunteers in the garden the following year.

Seed Propagation