In that earlier discussion on Rudbeckia, I suggested deadheading one plant and leaving another to see what happened. As @Fairygirl says, a lot depends on location, soil, conditions, etc. The actual variety is important too. I tried growing several varieties of Echinacea a few years ago. None of them survived the first winter. Plant breeding for larger, more colourful or different shaped flowers has compromised hardiness in some varieties and probably the ability to reflower too.
@Plantminded It's not just me then! I've given up on Echinaceas after several attempts, doing my best to supply suitable conditions here. Can't afford to buy new every year just to see them die later. Shame as they really are an asset in the summer border.
I thought my echinaceas were done - I do deadhead throughout the season - but they are growing new buds as I speak. I’ve had quite a few plants put on last minute growth and late bloom due to a milder than usual autumn, so it’s always worth keeping it up just in case.
I find the seed heads look really grotty and keel over, so end up cutting them off anyway.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
Yes, it's a shame @Buttercupdays, I really like the flower shape but not something that expires! Helenium Sahin's Early Flowerer is a good reliable alternative if you like the daisy shape and colour.
Yes, Heleniums do well for me here, and I have several varieties that between them flower for much of the summer.
Maybe, like the Echinacea a result of overbreeding, I find the standard white Leucanthemum grows reliably into large clumps, but the pretty lemon yellow versions always seem to fade away. I get my daisy fix with dahlias, which, though more truly exotic, can always be depended on for flowers in summer and until the first hard frost. Mine are still putting on a good show now and give me the pinks and yellows I want as well as other beauties like Waltzing Matilda. I don't begrudge the effort of lifting them when they are so willing to oblige
My echinacea have done really well since I planted them, though I wouldn’t say they last all summer long, they seem to come to their best late summer. I do like the seed heads though, they always look good in winter.
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...