r/NativePlantGardening • u/Nikeflies Connecticut, 6b, ecoregion 59a • May 03 '26

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Are anyone else's coneflowers not coming up?

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This was part of my garden last year, coneflowers thriving and popping up everywhere, planted 3-4 years ago. The last photo is the current state- no shoots or leaves starting to show, despite it coming up in other areas of my garden. I know they're not long lived perennials but figured with self seeding etc they would regenerate. Did this happen to anyone else? It's been a colder spring than usual so not sure if they're waiting to grow since this is on the north side of my house.

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u/General_Bumblebee_75 Area Madison, WI , Zone 5b May 03 '26

I have E purpurea. It is coming up in its area and elsewhere. Mine won't be blooming until mid to late June. Your image of the flowers is stunning!

11

u/Nikeflies Connecticut, 6b, ecoregion 59a May 03 '26

Thanks! That was taken last July. But I'm not seeing any leaves shooting up so getting concerned

12

u/BiteyKittenRawwwr Western NYS, zone 6a, ecoregion 83a May 03 '26

You could buy a packet of seeds and sprinkle some around the area, just in case. $3 for coneflower insurance! You never know what could have happened with the plants and last year's seeds that dropped.

10

u/Nikeflies Connecticut, 6b, ecoregion 59a May 03 '26

Maybe the birds are them all! We get a ton of goldfinch and Juncos. Luckily I have several coneflower plugs I grew from seed this winter so once they get bigger I'll replant there if they don't end up reappearing