BOTH REQUIRE A 4 WEEK COLD PROIOD IN ORDER TO GERMINATE THIS MAY BE PROVIDED IN REFRIGATOR OR IN THE SOIL WHEN PLANTED / SOWN IN THE FALL. so>>>>>> TAKE PICK REFRIGATOR & PLANT IN SPRING >>>> OR >>>>> SOW IN SOIL IN FALL

In my experience, Cone Flower will bloom the 2nd year from seed here in my z7 NC garden. I sowed them in a flat, potted them up as seedlings, then planted them into the garden last year. This year they came back and bloomed for the first time. I dont know if this everyone's experience, but that is what happened here.

I was told that if you grow them together a fungus would start appearing that would affect them both. Frankly, I was skeptical, but I have never garden before so I thought I'll check out the claim. Since it appears to be OK, I plan to plant both of them together. By the way, I am told that the native species of Black eye susan and purple coneflower (I live in Illinois) may take over my yard. Is this the case? Paul

On the other side of the small path are: Liatris spicata âÂÂKoboldâÂÂ, Yellow MexicanâÂÂs Hat, Allium âÂÂGlobemasterâ Seed heads, blue Centaurea cyanus and blue Platycodon . The platycodon is gone this year. It's too stuffed right there. :-) Oh the small trees are Betula nigra 'Little King' for winter interest: The other side of the Miscanthus âÂÂMorning LightâÂÂ, Monarda and Rudbeckia above is this: Feverfew and Lilium Regale Album. Another favorite combination: LambâÂÂs Ear , Berberis âÂÂBonanza Gold" and Allium albopislosum or cristophii with Phlox paniculata and a huge Hosta 'Kossa Regal' behind it and a group of Colchicum whose variety I have forgotten next to the Berberis: This is a much-loved combination: Rose âÂÂTiffanyâÂÂ, lambâÂÂs ear and Allium albopilosum/cristophii. I think I am losing the rose, though, because the Clematis âÂÂPrince Charlesâ above it is overwhelming it. Lol.