Will these do well in a container and in snowy weather should they be cut back to the soil for winter?
Birds, especially finches, love coneflower seed so it is best to leave the stems intact. Cut them down late winter, early spring. I'm concerned about it surviving the winter above ground. And the container soil will be spent so they will need repotting or the addition of compost next spring. Soil-less mixes, like most potting soils lose their ability to retain water as the peat degrades.
Why are my coneflowers all leaves and no flower stems at all? Been this way for the last 2 years.
No blossoms could indicate excess Nitrogen in the soil or over fertilizing.
A soil test can confirm this.
Bone Meal is a good way to add phosphorous, which is needed to promote flowering.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/growing-purple-coneflowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/too-much-nitrogen-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm
Why do my next generation purple cone flowers have white blossoms?
They are likely a hybrid variety that is reverting back to there parent.
I was given coneflowers and it's summer..read not to plant in summer what can I do ?
It is better, if one has a choice, to plant in the cooler months of spring or fall. However, with care, you can plant coneflowers in summer. Coneflowers require full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-draining soil that isn't too rich. When native plants are grown in rich soil or with fertilizer, the result is often more green growth than blooms. They self-sow so you always have as many as you want but the extras are easy to pull. Finches love to perch on top of flower stems and eat coneflower seeds. To plant, water the planting hole, put in your coneflower and water as you backfill. Do not fertilize. Now the important part: for several days you must provide shade with anything you can rig up. A pillowcase taped to 2 sticks, leaf bag over a long-handled shovel or large box. After 3 days, remove the shade and watch the plant. If it wilts in the sun, restore the shade. Water when the soil is dry down an inch into the soil. Water as needed all the way through fall. Next year, your coneflower will be drought tolerant.
I just transplanted some purple coneflowers. The greenery is wilting and the flower itself is a bit droopy. Should I cut them back to perk them up or let them try to assimulate to their new surroundings?
Did you transplant these perennials from the ground or a pot.
If they were moved from a pot into the ground, make sure they are watered daily and that the soil is well draining.
If the plants continue to wilt, you may need to trim back the plant material that does not recover.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/growing-purple-coneflowers.htm
is it too late in the season to sow coneflowers seed in ground now.. Boston MA area.
It will take about 3 months for coneflowers sewn now to have 2-3 sets of leaves. This means they will be young plants going into winter. The answer to your question depends on the severity of your winters. Mother nature sows seed in the fall for early spring germination when the soil is moist and temps cooler. Hot weather is not good for seed germination or survival of seedlings despite best efforts to keep the soil moist. If your winters are mild and frost free until Nov/Dec, sow seeds indoors now and transplant when temps are cooler. Don't forget to acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions first. Or sow seed in late fall where you want it to grow next spring. More growing info here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/growing-purple-coneflowers.htm
zone 5 - I have several cone flowers that grew from seeds. They are about 2 inches high. Will they survive the winter or should I be doing something to protect them?
Two inches is awfully short for this time of year, but if you allow them to continue growing through the summer, I would imagine at least some of them will survive. Usually coneflowers don't need any extra attention to make it through the winter.