Echinacea

Plant in spring in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Echinacea tolerates poor soil better than rich conditions, so avoid heavy feeding. Space plants 45 cm apart and water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once settled, they are remarkably drought tolerant. In colder parts of the UK, apply a winter mulch of bark or leaf mould around the crown. Leave spent flower heads standing through winter for the birds and cut back the old stems to ground level in early March. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigour.

Deadhead regularly during summer to extend flowering, or leave some seed heads for wildlife. Cut all stems back to 5 cm above the ground in late February or early March before new growth emerges. Avoid cutting back in autumn as the old stems protect the crown from frost.