Zone 5B, started some stem cuttings (using root hormone)on July 20, they are just starting to root. Because the season is too late to plant directly in the ground, is it possible to bring the cuttings in my basement where the temperature is about 55degrees or (no plant lights) or take them in the house in a room that is about 62 degrees with sun. I have a garage but it can get very cold in there.
I don't think it is too late to get them outside in a sheltered place. They need to go through winter and dormancy to trigger flowering next year. If it is very small now, keep it inside another month then get it used to being outside and plant it. Water it all the way through fall. Coneflowers are very easy to grow from seed. If you get some, sow the seeds in late fall where you want them to grow.
am moving and would like to take coneflowers with me. can they be cut back in the fall and placed in pots, stored for the winter and planted nx spring.
Yes, you may do that. You can also harvest the seeds, as they are really easy to germinate. Either way will get the results you want.
Purchased the house a year ago. The previous owners had some flower beds but the flowers were not doing well. We added more flowers and added addition flower beds. When we went to dig the beds, we found the lots of clay. We add new soil in the new beds but not to the existing beds. We planted Coneflowers, Blue Salva, Marigolds, Impatiens, and Knock-out Roses. The Blue Salva died back at first but has come out strong in the last month. My marigolds are stunted and we lost at lot. The Coneflowers did not last long at all. The Coneflowers turned black and died. We live in Amarillo, Texas and I believe we fall in Zone 7. The house faces the north and flowers get full sun most of the day. I know that we need to add topsoil to the beds but is there anything else that I need to do?
Soil improvement is fundamental for plant health, so you are on the right track by adding topsoil. You can also improve the native clayey soil by incorporating compost or an enriched organic potting soil to increase soil organic matter content. Mulch the soil surface with the same.
https://www.domyown.com/dr-earth-home-grown-organic-potting-soil-p-9497.html
Soil testing and recommendations for mineral amendments based on actual deficiences found is the best way to go, or at least use a complete organic fertilizer like one of these:
http://www.soilminerals.com/Agricolas4-8-4_MainPage.htm
https://www.domyown.com/dr-earth-organic-all-purpose-fertilizer-p-9485.html
I would like to plant them along a concrete fence. Most areas get full sun, some are under a tree.
The most consideration is to buy a native coneflower. These are the plants that have adapted to your area. The same plant from a different region will have slightly different characteristics. Here are two websites to help you out: https://npsot.org/wp/houston/go-native/
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/combo.php?fromsearch=true&distribution=&habit=habit_herb&duration=duration_perennial. This page is for East Texas. On the right, you can change the search terms if you wish. Several coneflowers are listed (Echinacea). Click on a plant for more information; near the bottom of the page it tells you where you can find this plant or seeds.
them? Also, is once a day for an hour enough water for them? We are going through a hot spell in Vancouver right now, so should I water more than an hour each day?
I would only water the ground is dry down to two inches. If you feel moisture within this area at all, then it would not be a good idea to water. Coneflower are very drought tolerant, but will not tolerate wet soils for very long. Most grasses can handle some dry spells, so to be on the safe side, you will only want to water when it is almost completely dry.
They bloom purple, well now more like a light pink. After awhile the blossoms turn white. Theses are plants I planted almost 20 years ago. I moved away and came back and found these 2 plants mixed in the pampas grass. I moved them roughly 3 and 4 feet from where I found them.We've had either rain or high 80s. During the dry spells I watered with miracle grow.other than something chewing on leaves which I remove. I dont know what else is wrong.They were always purple before.,
It is common for coneflower petals to fade to a light pink as they age. There are coneflower hybrids that bloom a true white. I suppose it is possible that your coneflower is from seed that was cross-pollinated with a white form. As prolific self-sowers random mutations or "sports" are also possible. If you are seeking a deep purple color, buy a new plant. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to change the color.
I wish I could give you details, I look at the flowers different times during day and evening - I see no type of "evil" bug, moth, …..etc. I'm pulling my hair out....these flowers are my pride and joy...…….I won't bore you with anything more. Please Help Me.
Birds that are eating the seeds can make a mess of the petals, too. You would probably see them, though. Japanese beetles are always a threat as are earwigs and even rabbits. Sleuth some more in early morning and evening, or go out at night with a flashlight to find the perpetrator. Here are some solutions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/coneflower/coneflower-problems.htm
https://ask.extension.org/questions/350115