If the yellow or red coneflower is suddenly no longer in the bed, this may be due to, among other things, the location and incorrect care of the plants.

The red coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and the yellow coneflower (Rudbeckia) are popular perennials in gardens with their striking colorful flowers. However, it is not at all uncommon for these plants not to return in their full glory or to disappear completely. Before you suspect the voles – this can be due to various causes, but with the right choice of location, proper winter protection and good care, your coneflower can shine in full splendor every year.

4 causes and measures for the disappearance of echinacea

The two plants are closely related; however, they are not always very long-lived, about seven to ten years they usually bloom again every year. The two varieties of coneflowers have similar requirements in terms of location, bed neighbors and care, and this is exactly where the reasons for the disappearance of the perennials usually lie – however, these are also the points thanks to which you can keep the coneflowers as faithfully flowering perennials for years:

  1. Winter hardiness and wrong site selection: Coneflower, whether Rudebeckia or Echinacea, is basically very hardy, but extreme weather conditions in winter can still cause problems for prairie plants. If the location is not chosen optimally, the plant can suffer frost damage. For example, if the coneflower is in a place that is too humid, waterlogging can damage the roots. To prevent the failure of the plants after winter, it is advisable to choose a sunny location and a calcareous and well-drained soil.
  2. Lack of pruning: for seed formation plants need so much energy that they do not have enough strength for the winter. Therefore, cut off wilted flowers – the leaves can remain on the plant through the winter, protecting the roots as well.
  3. With twelve perennials through the year: Thanks to them it blooms in the garden every month.
  4. Do not divide the plant: coneflowers tend to senesce, and then the flowering power also decreases. Therefore, you should divide the perennials about every five years in the fall or spring to extend their life.

Competition from other plants: Another possible cause of rudbeckia and echinacea fading is competition from other plants in the garden. When coneflowers are surrounded by larger neighboring plants or aggressive weeds, it can affect their growth. Adequate plant spacing and regular weed removal can help prevent this problem.