Growing Purple Coneflowers in Containers

Use a 2- or 3-gallon pot for individual purple coneflower plants or plant multiple plants in a large planter. You can also plant multiple purple coneflowers in a long narrow planter. Use a planter at least 1 1/2-to-2 feet wide.

Check the bottom of the pot for holes. Drain holes are important to allow water to drain out. If you use a decorative pot, plant purple coneflower in a slightly smaller nursery pot with holes and then slip it into the decorative pot.

Add a 1-to 2-inch layer of coarse gravel to the bottom of the pot or lay loose pottery shards or flat stones over the holes in the bottom. This lets water out and keeps soil in.

Add potting soil to the bottom of the pot to fill it about one-third of the way. Use potting soil or combine 2 parts potting soil with 1 part compost or seasoned manure.

Remove the purple coneflower plant from the nursery pot and place it in the new pot or planter. Hold the root ball so the base of the plant is 1 inch below the top of the container. Adjust the soil level in the bottom of the pot. Space multiple purple coneflowers 2-to-3 feet apart in containers.

Add more potting soil around the plants to bring the level up to the level of the base of the stalks. Pat down the soil to firm it up and soak the pot with water. Add more soil if the level drops during the first watering.

Place the planters or pots in an area in full or part sun. Fill and plant large containers on the spot since they get heavy once filled with soil and plants.

Fertilize in spring between March and April. The timing varies depending on the growing climate. Wait until the first leaves begin to appear before fertilizing. Use a 12-6-6, slow-release fertilizer. These add nutrients gradually into the soil for prolonged feeding. Use fertilizers as directed on the package label.

Cut back the dead leaves and flower stalks in spring. Purple coneflowers retain their ornamental value after the flowers fade, and the rich seeds provide an important winter food source for birds. Cut the stalks at the soil line in spring.

Water the containers when the top inch of the potting mix starts to feel dry. These plants are considered drought tolerant when planted in the landscape, but in pots, they tend to dry out more quickly. Keep the soil evenly damp. Empty excess water from trays or ornamental pots to prevent root rot.