How to grow Echinacea in New Zealand
Echinacea, or purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), is a hardy perennial with large, daisy-like pink, purple or white flowers around a raised cone, from summer into autumn. It is a pollinator magnet, very drought tolerant once established, and the seed heads feed birds into winter. It usually flowers from its second season and comes back bigger each year.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Echinacea in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | August to May | |
| Central Otago | August to May |
Where to plant
Grow echinacea in full sun or light part shade in well-drained soil. It is hardy throughout New Zealand and very drought tolerant once established, so it suits dry, sunny borders, cottage gardens and pollinator plantings. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil.
- All regions: sow or plant in spring or autumn, from August to May. Plants die back in winter and reshoot in spring.
Choosing a variety
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): the classic pink-purple species, 80 to 120 cm.
- Magnus: large deep pink flowers on strong stems, with petals held out flat rather than drooping.
- White Swan: pure white flowers with the same tough habit.
- Newer hybrids in yellow, orange, scarlet and green, such as the Mellow and Mojito series, add more colours.
How to plant
- Sow seed in trays of seed raising mix, lightly covered, in a warm spot; germination takes 14 to 21 days.
- Prick out seedlings into pots and grow on until large enough to plant.
- Plant out 30 to 50 cm apart in a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth.
- Water in well and mulch 5 to 8 cm deep, keeping mulch away from the crown.
Watering and feeding
Keep young plants moderately moist until established. Established plants are very drought tolerant and need watering only in long dry spells. Echinacea needs little feeding.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead in summer to prolong flowering, but leave the last flower heads in autumn to feed birds and add winter interest.
- Cut the dead stems down in late winter before new growth starts.
- Divide large clumps every few years in spring.
Harvesting
Cut flowers for the vase once the petals have fully opened and the central cone has firmed. Flowers, leaves and roots are traditionally dried for tea; dried material keeps in sealed jars for a year or more.
Growing in pots
Echinacea grows in a pot at least 20 to 30 cm wide with good drainage, in full sun. Keep the mix moderately moist and avoid waterlogging.
Using it
Echinacea is a long-lasting cut flower. It is also widely used in herbal teas and remedies; check with a health professional before using it medicinally, especially if you take other medicines.
Companion planting
Echinacea suits sunny, dry borders with other drought-tolerant perennials that feed pollinators.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Echinacea is tough and has few problems.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs Young shoots chewed in spring, with slime trails.
- Snails Ragged holes in young leaves.
- Aphids Clusters on flower buds and stems.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on leaves late in summer.
- Aster yellows Distorted, green, tufted flowers and yellowed growth. Remove affected plants.
Common questions
When does echinacea flower?
From summer into autumn. Plants grown from seed usually flower from their second season.
Does echinacea come back every year?
Yes. It is a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and returns bigger each spring.
Is echinacea drought tolerant?
Very, once established. Water young plants until they settle in, then only in long dry spells.
Should I deadhead echinacea?
Deadheading in summer prolongs flowering, but leave the last heads in autumn for the birds.
How do I grow echinacea from seed?
Sow in trays in a warm spot from spring to autumn; seed takes 14 to 21 days to germinate. Grow seedlings on in pots before planting out.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow echinacea; Yates NZ: Common problems of echinacea; Kings Seeds: Echinacea Purple Coneflower.