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Echinacea leaves browning #871616

Asked June 04, 2024, 8:47 PM EDT

Hello! I have a bunch of echinacea I recently planted from plugs in various places in my garden. Some like in the first pic are doing really well. The rest don’t see to be doing so well. The soil is of better quality where they are doing well, but I understood that echinacea does well in all kinds of soil. The leaves arrived with that sort of purple tint, but the ones have come out a nice even green, vs the others that stayed purple. And then the leaves have been turning solid brown and drying up completely. Any thought? Want to help these buddies survive!

Hamilton County Ohio

Expert Response

Dear Ross,

Let me start by giving you some information on why a plant's leaves might turn purple. It can be from a few differerent things. A change in the amount of light a plant may receive, or a change in temperature may cause purpling of leaves. This article explains this issue very well:

Purpling of leaves - Floriculture & Greenhouse Crop Production (msu.edu)

I am wondering if chlorosis may be the problem with your echinacea.   It looks like the leaves are experiencing some sort of a deficiency.  The deficiency may be caused by several different issues.  Here is some information on chlorosis:

Chlorosis | Plant Problems | Illinois Extension | UIUC

I do not know if you have done a soil test in this area of your garden.  Ph can affect how a plant absorbs nutrients.  In case you wish to pursue a soil test, here is some information on that subject.

Soil Testing for Ohio Lawns, Landscapes, Fruit Crops, and Vegetable Gardens | Ohioline (osu.edu)

Lastly, I have included some information on growing echinacea. Perhaps there was something that you may recall when planting that might have triggered the  browning.  Certainly while plants are being established they require regular watering.  Once established, the plants are somewhat drought tolerant.

Echinacea | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)

If you feel you need additional information or have additional questions, do not hesitate to ask. I hope your echinacea plants become more healthy in their new home.

Sue Schillig Replied June 05, 2024, 1:43 PM EDT

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