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coneflower flowers turning black

by linda
(spring lake nc)

i was wondering if the flowers r susposed to turn black after awhile and if u are susposed to cut them off?

Doug says - yes, the flowers fade and then turn black. Cut them off as soon as they start to fade and drop petals. (before they turn black - when they start to look ugly rather than lovely daisies) Cut the stems as low down on the flower stem as you can reach with your pruning scissors or shears.

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coneflower flowers turning black

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Goldfinches
by: Anonymous

Absolutely a worthwhile tradeoff to have black flowerheads in exchange for sometimes up to 5 goldfinches feasting on my small patch of coneflowers! Of course they fly away the moment I step out the door.
food for birds
by: Anonymous

Of course, if you don't cut them, goldfinches are very fond of them, and can be amusing to watch in the fall as they perch on them (often upsidedown) to eat the seeds. All in what you prefer.

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