Also known as Coneflower · 16k saves
Echinacea
Echinacea, the genus most gardeners know as coneflower. We track 190 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Echinacea varieties
See all 190 Echinacea varieties →Search this genus →
3 species of Echinacea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Echinacea in Sow
Save the Echinacea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Echinacea
Whats common across all Echinacea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Echinacea year
- DeadheadJune–August100% of varieties
Deadhead only if desired; leave late blooms for winter seed heads for birds
- DivideMarch and September93% of varieties
Divide only when necessary (every 4+ years), as taproots resent disturbance
- Spring CleanupFebruary90% of varieties
Cut back old flower stalks and dead foliage before new growth emerges
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or early fall
- FertilizeMarch33% of varieties
Apply a light layer of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Echinacea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and skeletonized foliage | Handpick beetles or use organic neem-based insecticides |
| Japanese Beetles | Chewed leaves and petals | Use organic neem oil or handpick beetles |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Echinacea
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife
- Replant divisions immediately
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall or early spring
- Maintain consistent moisture for 2–3 weeks
- Germination occurs in 10–14 days
Echinacea questions
How many types of Echinacea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 190 distinct Echinacea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 16k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Echinacea grow in?
Across its varieties, Echinacea covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Echinacea bloom?
Most Echinacea varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Echinacea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.