Should Cone Flowers Be Cut Back After Blooming

Question From: K. Haines - Taylor, Michigan, United States
Q: Should I leave what's left of my cone flowers standing like the black eyed susan's? Sorry to bother you again.

A: Not a problem Kenneth. The decision is up to you. At the OPC display garden we leave them standing so the birds can eat the seeds. I think the stems of the echinacea help to protect the the crowns ot the plants over the winter. However many folks cut them back to the basal growth. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy