Coneflower or Echinacea is a long blooming, colorful, pollinator attracting perennial. It can be found in almost every Midwest and Great Plains garden, blooming mightily from June to September. There are many native species of coneflowers, which can be bought at garden centers or ordered online, and which are used in breeding new cultivars. There are roughly 10 separate species across the United States. 2 of these are subgroups of species, given their own scientific classification and name. The most commonly found coneflowers are Echinacea angustifolia, pallida, paradoxa, and purpurea.

Coneflowers prefer full sun to part shade and well’drained soils. They are very adaptable, however, and can grow in many soils and situations. They have few pest and diseases. Sunflower budworm is the most common insect pest, they destroy the flower cones as the seed is maturing. They can get powdery mildew and aster yellows disease. Aster yellows cause a genetic mutation of the stems and flowers resulting in distortions and discoloration and often leading to death of the plant-there is no cure.

Coneflowers attract many species of pollinators, from bees to butterflies and moths. Bumblebees and honeybees are seen often gathering nectar along with Monarch butterflies. Coneflowers are best planted in cottage gardens, clumps, perennial borders, pollinator gardens, prairie restorations, and as specimens. The cultivars come in a wide variety of colors and petal styles including double flowered, pink, white, red, orange, yellow, purple, lavender, green, and multicolored. They can be grown initially from seed, leaf cuttings, or tissue culture. Many are re-seeders and will fill in a garden quickly.