How to Grow Kim's Knee High Coneflower
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Kim's Knee High Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High'
flowerKim's Knee High is a compact cultivar of purple coneflower, reaching only 24-30 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and smaller gardens. This perennial produces vibrant pink-purple flowers with orange-brown central cones that bloom from mid-summer through fall. It attracts butterflies and pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance once established.
When should you plant Kim's Knee High Coneflower in your zone?
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Example Kim's Knee High Coneflower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kim's Knee High Coneflower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Kim's Knee High Coneflower blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kim's Knee High Coneflower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, extremely cold and heat tolerant
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Get my Kim's Knee High Coneflower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, delicate appearance
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Begin fertilizing weakly every 2 weeks after true leaves emerge.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks (spring/early summer)Compact rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves; plant is actively building root system and foliage
Water during dry spells. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Ensure full sun exposure. Pinch back growing tips in spring if additional branching is desired.
Budding & Flowering
8-10 weeks (mid-summer through fall)Flower buds emerge on sturdy stems; characteristic pink-purple petals with prominent orange-brown cone centers begin opening
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen to shift energy toward flowering. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent powdery mildew.
Late Season & Seed Development
6-8 weeks (fall through winter)Petals fade, central cone becomes more prominent; seeds mature in the cone for self-sowing or collection
Allow some flowers to remain on plant for seed production and wildlife food. Cut back dead stems in late fall or early spring. Leave seed heads through winter for birds.
Dormancy & Renewal
2-3 months (winter)Plant dies back to ground level in cold climates or remains semi-evergreen in mild zones
Cut back to 2-3 inches above ground in early spring. No watering needed during dormancy. Divide plants every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Handpick in early morning, dropping into soapy water. Apply neem oil or spinosad in severe infestations. Plant resists moderate damage.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray if needed. Thin crowded plantings.
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Remove and destroy infected plants. Control leafhoppers with row covers or insecticidal soap. No cure; prevention is key.
Uses
Pollinator Garden Magnet
WildlifeKim's Knee High coneflower is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season. The prominent central cone provides excellent landing platforms for insects and abundant nectar. [source]
Traditional Immune Support
MedicinalPurple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has been used in traditional herbalism to support immune function, particularly during cold and flu season. The whole plant contains compounds that herbalists believe enhance natural defenses. [source]
Edible & Medicinal Tea
CulinaryFlowers and roots can be dried and brewed into a traditional herbal tea. The flowers are also edible with a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and can garnish salads. [source]
Cut and Dried Flowers
HouseholdKim's Knee High produces excellent long-lasting cut flowers for fresh arrangements (7-10 days) and dries beautifully for dried arrangements, wreaths, and crafts that last many months. [source]
Seed Saving and Natural Propagation
CraftThe plant readily self-seeds, providing free plants for next season. Gardeners can collect and store seeds for sharing or increasing plantings in new garden areas. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in mid-morning after dew dries for longest vase life (7-10 days). Harvest flowers when petals are fully extended but still vibrant. For seeds, allow flowers to brown and dry on plant, then cut stems and collect seeds in paper bag. Self-sows readily if seed heads left standing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kim's Knee High was specifically bred to be compact enough for containers and small-space gardens, making purple coneflower accessible to apartment and patio gardeners.
- 🌱 Coneflowers earned their common name from the distinctive spiky, cone-shaped central disk that remains ornamental long after petals drop, extending garden interest into winter.
- 🌱 Purple coneflower is native to the central and eastern United States and was used medicinally by Native Americans centuries before European herbalists adopted it.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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