The coneflower bloomed cheerfully and almost non-stop in the summer. But now dried parts of the plant are gradually appearing. Is this normal or is the sun hat showing that it feels uncomfortable?
Why did my coneflower dry up in autumn?
A dried-out coneflower is normal in autumn, as the above-ground parts of the plant die and sprout again in spring. Care includes cutting off dried flowers, fertilizing with compost, watering when dry and checking for pests or diseases.
Does the coneflower dry out naturally in autumn?
It is part of thenatural vegetation cycle that the coneflower gradually dries up after its flowering in autumn. The above-ground parts of the plant die, but the roots remain alive underground. Echinacea is a perennial that sprouts again in spring.
Should you cut off the dried flowers of the coneflower?
You should cut off dried flowers regularly in summer to extend the flowering period. However, if the coneflower has dried up in autumn, the days are cool and the chance of new flowers is almost zero, you shouldn't be too hasty. In the best case scenario, the dried parts of the plant should be left until spring. They serve as shelter for insects over the winter. In spring, pruning is carried out close to the ground, shortly before the perennial sprouts.
Does the dried-out coneflower need care in autumn?
As soon as the coneflower dries up in autumn, it can be dug up and divided. This means it can be multiplied in no time.
Also, now is the right time tofertilize the coneflower with compost. The nutrients from the compost are available to the coneflower until the next flowering season.
Can the coneflower dry out due to lack of water?
It isunusual, but in extreme or prolonged drought the coneflower can dry out. It usually tolerates drought well. But this quickly comes at the expense of the flowers. Later the leaves also dry out. Be sure to water it when there is no rain.
Can the coneflower dry out due to diseases?
Illnessescan also cause the coneflower to dry out. Sometimes powdery mildew appears on Echinacea. This fungal disease primarily colonizes the leaves and, if left unchecked, causes them to dry out after a few weeks. Since this disease mainly occurs in dark locations, you should plant your coneflower in a sunny spot.
Does the coneflower dry out due to pests?
The coneflower can dry out due to an infestation ofaphidsorsmall leaves. These parasites prefer to suck nutrients from the leaves of this perennial, which causes them to dry out over time. Regular checks can help prevent this.
Can you use the dried plant parts of the coneflower?
You can use the driedseed heads in autumn to extract seeds from them. Dry them and save them until next spring. Then you can use the seeds to propagate the coneflower. The dried and hedgehog-like seed heads of the coneflower are also suitable for attractive autumn and winter decorations, for example in the vase.
Tip
Keep cutting back dried flowers
You should cut back the dried flowers of the coneflower regularly. This encourages the coneflower to form new flower buds. This extends its flowering period by many weeks.
