Coneflowers: Your Cheerful Garden Champions

Coneflowers are bright and bold. With their daisy-like petals and raised centres, their nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and in the fall, their seed heads are a natural treat for hungry birds – especially goldfinches in my garden.

Unlike some garden favourites, coneflowers are native to North America, which makes them a fantastic, low-maintenance choice for your pollinator garden.

If you want a plant that’s beautiful, tough, and great for wildlife, coneflowers are the way to go.

Cultivars vs Native plants

There is some conversation around cultivars vs pure native species.

I think as we try to become more educated on how to nurture our landscape for pollinators, having a balance is key.

If we can encourage all gardeners to start to introduce native plants that truly support pollinators into their gardens along with care of the soil by not using herbicides and pesticides, we can all be a part of a positive journey, one garden at a time.

Purple coneflowers and yellow black-eyed susans

Pure Native Coneflowers

Native coneflowers are well-adapted to local climates, provide excellent nectar sources, and are crucial for supporting native pollinators and wildlife.

Their natural resilience can also mean less maintenance in the garden.

Cultivar Coneflowers

Cultivars often boast unique colors, double blooms, or compact growth habits that may suit ornamental gardens better.

They can also be more resistant to disease or pests.

However, some cultivars may have reduced nectar quality, altered flower shapes that make it harder for pollinators to access nectar, or less genetic diversity compared to native plants.

Close-up of orange coneflowers in a garden

The Verdict

Many gardeners recommend planting a mix of both!

Native coneflowers provide essential support for pollinators, while carefully chosen cultivars can add visual flair without sacrificing too much nectar quality.

Observing which plants your local pollinators prefer can also guide your planting choices.

Growing Reference

Coneflowers = pollinator magic.

Bees love the nectar. Butterflies can’t resist. And come fall? Goldfinches snack on the seeds. Every garden needs this multitasker!

Yellow bird perched on Echinacea flowers.

Light Needs
Coneflowers love the sun! Give them at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the happiest blooms and healthiest plants.

Soil Needs
Coneflowers aren’t super fussy. They’ll thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate poor or rocky conditions. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant champions.

Size
Depending on the variety, coneflowers can grow between 2 to 4 feet tall and about 1 to 2 feet wide. This means they can be used to add wonderful height and texture to your garden.

Spacing
Space your coneflowers about 1 to 2 feet apart to allow good airflow and prevent overcrowding. This helps keep your plants healthy and happy.

Zone
Coneflowers are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making them a versatile choice for gardeners in many climates. They can handle both chilly winters and hot summers with ease.

Nectar Quality
Native coneflowers provide excellent-quality nectar that’s irresistible to bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Their blooms are an all-you-can-eat buffet for your garden’s busiest visitors.

Companion Plants

Coneflowers pair beautifully with black-eyed Susans, bee balm, and native ornamental grasses. Their upright growth and vibrant colors make them a standout in mixed borders or wildflower gardens.

Echinaceas,And,Black,Eyed,Susans,In,The,Lucy,Maud,Montgomery

How to Grow from Seed

For best results, start coneflower seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost date.

Or, try the easy “paper towel method” to help with germination. Dampen a paper towel, sprinkle your seeds inside, fold it up, and place it in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for 4-6 weeks (this mimics winter conditions and helps stubborn seeds sprout).

After stratification, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them warm — around 70°F — for the best results.

Sunflower seed head and scattered seeds on paper towel.

Growing Tips

Keeping your coneflowers happy and healthy

Monarch butterfly on purple coneflower in garden

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms in the summer, but be sure stop deadheading and leave your seed heads later in the year for winter interest and to feed the birds in the cold winter months.
Coneflowers are drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering.
These hardy plants thrive on minimal care — just give them sun, space, and with a bit of patience, and they’ll reward you with vibrant blooms all season long.

Pollinator Power

Native coneflowers are a must-have for any pollinator garden. Their long-lasting blooms provide months of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Plus, their seed heads are a feast for goldfinches in the fall — a delightful bonus for bird lovers!