Coneflower

Full sun — needs it for strong stems and a long flowering season.

Medium — water through the first summer, then drought-tolerant once the deep roots are down.

Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Winter wet on heavy clay kills more echinaceas than cold does.

Deadhead through summer to extend flowering, then leave the last seed heads standing over winter for the birds and for structure. Cut the whole plant back in early spring.

A light balanced feed with a compost mulch as growth starts, and nothing after that. These are prairie plants: a rich diet gives tall soft stems that need staking and shortens the plant's life.

Divide in spring every three or four years, which also keeps a clump vigorous. The plain species comes true from seed sown fresh in autumn; named colour selections do not, so those must be divided.