Coneflowers (Echinacea) have earned their place in perennial borders, pollinator gardens, and meadow-style landscapes—and for good reason. These hardy, vibrant perennials reliably return each spring in our Ontario Zone 6 climate, adding long-lasting colour and texture to any garden.

The classic Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) begins with soft, pink-tinged petals that deepen into rich purple hues as the season progresses. At its peak, the familiar domed centre cone emerges—an eye-catching structure that dries beautifully and provides winter interest in the garden. 

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Choose From The Rainbow

While the purple coneflower is the most iconic, hybrids now come in nearly every colour of the rainbow. You'll find stunning varieties in pink, white, green, orange, and fiery reds.

No matter your garden’s colour scheme, there’s likely a coneflower to match. Even better, their bold blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while the seed heads feed songbirds in fall and winter.

Low Maintenance, Long-Blooming Beauty

Coneflowers are both showy and easy to care for—ideal for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Here’s what you need to know:

Growth habit:

• Height: 24–60 inches, depending on the variety

• Spread: 12–24 inches

• Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall

Growing conditions:

• Sun: Full sun is best, though light shade is tolerated

• Soil: Well-drained soil is key

• Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but thrives with consistent watering

• Fertilizer: Not necessary

Pro tips for success:

• Pinch back in early summer to encourage bushier, sturdier plants and decrease the chance of powdery mildew forming

• Deadhead spent blooms early in the season to prolong flowering

• Leave seed heads in late summer and fall for winter beauty and bird food

• Optional self-seeding: Let them go to seed for a naturalized look, or remove blooms to prevent self-seeding

Coneflower Companions

Coneflowers mix beautifully with a variety of other perennials. For vibrant, complementary plantings, try pairing them with:

• Salvia

• Crocosmia

• Hyssop (Agastache)

• Catmint (Nepeta)

• Phlox

• Ornamental grasses

These companions share similar growing requirements and will enhance the colour and texture of your garden throughout the growing season.

Visit Us for More Ideas

Want help choosing the perfect Coneflower variety or finding the right garden companions? Stop by Eising Garden Centre and chat with our perennial expert, Mary. She’ll help you create stunning combinations that bloom beautifully from summer into fall.

Holiday decorating would not be the same without the classic Poinsettia. They are the iconic seasonal touch that brightens up our homes and offices. Poinsettias also make great gifts for friends, family and co-workers who appreciate festive decor.

Known for being low-maintenance also adds to their popularity. Keeping your Poinsettia looking healthy and vibrant during the holidays and beyond is easy when you know these few simple steps to care for it.

Temperature

This is a plant that is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and extremes. Keep it in its plastic sleeve while you’re transporting it. Immediately remove the protective wrapping as soon as you’re home. 

Keep your plant away from drafts or a direct heat source like a fireplace or heat vent. Poinsettias thrive in temperatures between 18-22°C during the day and around 15°C at night. Ideal temperatures will keep the bracts (flowers) colourful.

Light

A spot with bright, indirect light is ideal for your Poinsettia. Placing it near a window, but not in direct sunlight, so that it gets at least 6 hours of light a day is optimal.

Water

Water your Poinsettia plant thoroughly when the soil's surface is dry to the touch. 

Allow the plant to drain well. If your plant is in a foil wrapper, or it’s been placed in a decorative container without holes, or on a plant tray, remove any excess water to avoid root rot.

While Poinsettias do not like sitting in water, they do appreciate humidity. Keep a tray or vase with water nearby, or occasionally mist your plant to maintain humidity.

By following these easy steps, your Poinsettia will look great for months, making it a cheerful addition to your home right into late winter!