Troubleshooting
Purple Coneflower problems — and how to fix them
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Aster yellows
A phytoplasma disease causing distorted, green or deformed flowers. There is no cure; remove and destroy affected plants and control leafhoppers that spread it.
Crown and root rot
From wet, poorly drained or over-watered soil. Plant in free-draining ground and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery mildew and leaf spot
Occur in humid, crowded conditions. Space plants for airflow and remove infected foliage.
Japanese beetles
Where present, they chew flowers and foliage. Hand-pick in the morning or use targeted controls.
Prevent purple coneflower problems before they start
Most purple coneflower issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for purple coneflower in general rather than its problems? Read the full purple coneflower care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Purple Coneflower problems — FAQ
Why is my purple coneflower aster yellows?
A phytoplasma disease causing distorted, green or deformed flowers. There is no cure; remove and destroy affected plants and control leafhoppers that spread it.
Why is my purple coneflower crown and root rot?
From wet, poorly drained or over-watered soil. Plant in free-draining ground and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my purple coneflower powdery mildew and leaf spot?
Occur in humid, crowded conditions. Space plants for airflow and remove infected foliage.
Why is my purple coneflower japanese beetles?
Where present, they chew flowers and foliage. Hand-pick in the morning or use targeted controls.