The easy-care coneflower can be cut back either immediately after flowering in autumn or not until next spring. Cut off wilted inflorescences immediately to encourage your plant to produce new flowers.
When and how should you cut a coneflower?
Coneflower can be cut back in autumn after flowering or in spring. Wilted inflorescences should be removed immediately to encourage new flower formation. As a cut flower, cut the plant in the morning. For medicinal purposes, cut Echinacea during the flowering period from July to September.
Cut coneflower for the vase
Many types of coneflower are suitable as cut flowers for the vase. The high coneflower has a particularly long shelf life in this regard; it belongs to the genus Rudbeckia. Some Echinacea varieties have somewhat unsightly hanging flower tongues, but there are also varieties without this “flaw”. Sun hat fits very well into colorful summer bouquets. Species with longer stems are particularly suitable for this.
Cutting the roots of the coneflower
So that you always have blooming perennials in your garden, it is recommended to divide and rejuvenate the plants regularly. About every three to four years, dig up your coneflower and use a spade to cut off one or two parts of the rhizome to plant in another place.
Cutting echinacea for medicinal purposes
Echinacea is a well-known medicinal plant. It is used primarily to prevent people who are susceptible to infections and to treat colds. External use is also possible, for example for abscesses, boils and poorly healing wounds. Tinctures are available commercially, but you can also make your own, as can tea blends.
If you would like to make Echinacea into a tincture or tea yourself, then cut off the above-ground parts of the plant during the flowering period, from July to September. Leaves, flowers and stems are used.
The roots can also be used for medicinal purposes. The plants should be around four years old and quite strong. You can then cut some of the roots from October to April.
The best tips for cutting coneflowers:
- cut back in autumn or spring
- For some varieties, a second flowering is possible through early pruning
- Cut echinacea for the vase in the morning
- Cut Echinacea as a medicinal herb during the flowering period
Tips & Tricks
Coneflower is ideal for colorful summer bouquets. If you like cut flowers, then plant different colored varieties or a variety with double flowers.