Coneflower care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray

When: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost until the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about Apr 12 – May 10
• zones 6–7: about Mar 18 – Apr 15
• zones 8–10: about Jan 28 – Feb 25

Old coneflower stems shelter overwintering beneficial insects and protect the crown in winter. Cutting them in late winter clears the way for fresh growth.

1. Cut all of last year's dead stems down to 2–3 in (5–8 cm).
2. Do it before new shoots get tall, so you don't snip them by accident.
3. Leave the cut stems loosely on the ground or in a brush pile for a few weeks so emerging bees can escape, then compost them.

Tools: Bypass pruners or hedge shears

When: 9–11 weeks after the last spring frost, then every 3 weeks (3 times a season).

• zones 3–5: about Jul 12–26
• zones 6–7: about Jun 17 – Jul 1
• zones 8–10: about Apr 29 – May 13

Removing faded flowers before they set seed encourages new blooms.

1. Cut faded flowers back to a leaf or bud for more blooms. From late summer, leave seed heads standing for birds.

When: 5–7 weeks after the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about Jun 14–28
• zones 6–7: about May 20 – Jun 3
• zones 8–10: about Apr 1–15

Cutting stems back by a third in late spring gives shorter, sturdier plants with more (slightly later) flowers.

1. Shear half of the stems, or all of them, back by one-third.