'Kim's Knee High' coneflower

We are in the midst of an Echinacea revolution. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular 5-6 foot tall native perennial commonly planted in meadow and butterfly gardens. Kim Hawkes, former owner of Niche Gardens Nursery in Chapel Hill, N.C. introduced compact growing ‘Kim’s Knee High’  a decade ago. It is still one of the finest cultivars.

‘Kim’s Knee High’ fits into most small gardens at 2-3 feet in height and 1-2 feet in spread. Coneflower grows in average well-drained soil and in full to partial (minimum of 6 hours) sunlight.

‘Kim’s Knee High’ is low maintenance. It exhibits moderate heat and drought tolerance after one year’s establishment in the garden. Coneflower thrives on late winter feeding. Clumps should be divided every 3-4 years.

The 3 ½ inch rose pink ray petalled flowers are slightly reflexed, and surround a russet-orange cone center. Coneflower blooms from late June through late August in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and7). Deadheading old spent blooms extends flowering time through first October frost.

Coneflowers attract numerous butterflies and bees, and seeds are a major winter food source for many species of birds, particularly finches and hummingbirds. Seeds self-sow and become nuisance weeds. Remove all old growth in the early fall to avoid the seed load or wait until late winter in order to feed the birds.

Pest problems are minimal if plants are not overcrowded. Coneflowers are deer resistant.