question about coneflowers

question about coneflowers (post #11780)

cannedcorn on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 00:32

References and Resources

I had some landscaping down last autumn and some of the flowers planted were harvest moon coneflowers. The coneflowers did come up this year--but they're only about 6 to 8 inches high. If they'll grow taller next year (to at least 18 inches or so), then I'd like to keep them (they seem to be in fine health except for their diminutive size). But if they are irreperably damaged in some way, I'd like to replace them. Has anyone heard of coneflowers being this small? And does anyone have any idea whether or not they'll get taller as the years go by? (I live in the Chicago area, in case this matters--cold winters, etc.)

Thanks!

(post #11780, reply #1 of 4)

by the country gardener in reply to cannedcorn [original] on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 01:31

They should do better next year. I note that fall planting is not recommended for this plant, so that might explain the reluctance to grow this year. I'm clear over on the left coast of the country, so very different growing conditions than you experience, but quite a few Echies grew shorter this year than usual.

Marty

"The plants have been good to us." Lester Hawkins

Marty

"The plants have been good to us." Lester Hawkins

(post #11780, reply #3 of 4)

by cannedcorn in reply to Anonymous [original] on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 21:44

Thank you both; I will wait and hope they grow taller next year!

(post #11780, reply #2 of 4)

by 1946 in reply to cannedcorn [original] on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 14:16

If I remember correctly your area had a lot of rain this spring and if the cone flowers were just put in last fall they probably did not have a very developed root system yet, so there is a possibility that their small struggling roots just rotted off from too much water. Most likely they will have developed a better root system through the summer and will do much better next year. I would certainly give them one more chance to perform better next year.

(post #11780, reply #4 of 4)

by bloomer in reply to cannedcorn [original] on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 23:52

There are dwarf coneflowers, I just don't know if yours is one or not. I would google your coneflower name, and find out more info on it.

question about coneflowers