This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: most soils, except very dry or boggy
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Brilliant orange-pink, daisy like flowers with reflexed petals that flare out from prominent, reddish-brown centres appear from June to August. The flowers are held on erect stems with broad, basal leaves. This is a tough, vigorous (though not invasive) plant that does not need staking and also makes an excellent cut flower. If deadheaded regularly, it will flower profusely for up to three months and it copes well with adverse weather conditions, except drought. Try it dotted through a sunny, mixed border, in bold drifts among ornamental grasses or as part of a 'hot' colour scheme. It is attractive to bees and butterflies, and birds will flock to the seedheads.
  
  
• Garden care: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring. In autumn cut back all dead flower stems to the ground. Coneflowers benefit from a spring or autumn mulch with well-rotted compost.