Long-head Coneflower is a striking prairie native that earned its name from the prominent, elongated central disk that crowns each showy flower. This clump-forming perennial grows 24 to 30 inches tall and thrives across hardiness zones 3 through 8, making it accessible to gardeners in most of North America. Native to the Great Plains from Alberta and Minnesota south to Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mexico, it blooms reliably from June through September with minimal fuss. The plant tolerates drought and poor soils with remarkable ease, asking only for full sun and well-drained conditions to reward you with months of butterfly-attracting color.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
3-8
30in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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The cylindrical flower head is genuinely distinctive, rising above hairy foliage like a small golden torch surrounded by drooping petals. From June through September, these blooms attract butterflies in steady procession while requiring virtually no supplemental water once established. This plant shrugs off drought, light shade, and even poor soil with the resilience of a true prairie dweller, making it one of the lowest-maintenance perennials you can grow.
Long-head Coneflower is grown primarily as an ornamental perennial for borders, prairie gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. The extended bloom period and showy flowers make it valuable for adding long-season color to dry gardens and landscape areas where water conservation matters.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost in warm conditions. Use a seed-starting mix kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination occurs readily at typical indoor temperatures. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date has passed and soil has warmed.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun once soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. Water gently after transplanting to settle soil around roots.
Direct sow seed in spring after the last frost date or in fall for spring germination. Scatter seed on well-prepared, dry to medium soil and press lightly into contact; do not cover, as seed prefers light for germination. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, then gradually reduce watering as plants establish.
Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season encourages continued blooming and a tidier appearance. Cut back the entire plant to 3 to 4 inches in late fall or early spring to maintain vigor and prevent excessive self-seeding. If plants become leggy or flop noticeably, light pruning in early summer can encourage denser, more compact growth.
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