Marianne's Response

Coneflowers

Marianne, I planted some coneflowers last summer, they we’re beautiful. Once the flowers faded, I did not cut the tops (coneflower), just let them dry on the plant over the winter. Spring is approaching, then summer soon. Should I cut the dried tops off, and if so, how far down the stem should they be cut? Thanks!!!

Posted by Jacqueline McCray on April 10, 2018

Marianne's Response

Congrats on planting the coneflowers for our pollinators - the birds and the bees thank you! The answer to your question is yes, it is time to cut back the old growth from last summer to make way for new flowers. Cut the blackened stems and flowers all the way to the ground or to the point you see fresh new growth. As the weather warms you'll see faster green growth emerging from the old crown. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti