Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus Superior'
coneflower
- approx 20 seeds
- £2.62 £3.49
- available to order from autumn
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Strong-growing and upright, this herbaceous perennial produces generous magenta-pink flowerheads with bronze-orange central cones held flat on sturdy stems. Flowering from mid-summer into early autumn, it's ideal for adding reliable colour and structure to sunny borders, prairie-style plantings, or wildlife gardens.
Plant Echinacea directly into well-prepared borders or larger pots and containers, spacing them at 15-20cm (6-8in) intervals. Water well after planting and while they are in active growth.
The seed heads are attractive, and are a valuable food source for birds during the cooler months, so avoid cutting them back (to just above soil level) until late winter. Over time, it will form larger clumps with more flowering stems, so they can be lifted and divided in autumn or spring to maintain vigour and flowering performance.
Taller cultivars in exposed locations will benefit from staking.
The seed heads are attractive, and are a valuable food source for birds during the cooler months, so avoid cutting them back (to just above soil level) until late winter. Over time, it will form larger clumps with more flowering stems, so they can be lifted and divided in autumn or spring to maintain vigour and flowering performance.
Taller cultivars in exposed locations will benefit from staking.
Sow indoors from February to April or outdoors in May to June. For indoor sowing, use trays filled with moist seed compost and lightly press the seeds onto the surface without covering, as they need light to germinate. Keep at a steady 20°C (68°F) and maintain moisture without waterlogging.
Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow in cooler conditions until ready to harden off. Transplant outside after the last frost into well-drained soil in full sun. Outdoor sowings should be done directly where they are to flower, on fine soil, and kept moist until established.
Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow in cooler conditions until ready to harden off. Transplant outside after the last frost into well-drained soil in full sun. Outdoor sowings should be done directly where they are to flower, on fine soil, and kept moist until established.