Hi! What is the proper procedure for pre-winter maintenance for echinachea? They still have blooms, although growth has slowed it may be premature - night temps getting down to freezing, Do I cut them down to about 6 inches? Also, where exactly do I cut them if I need to cut them at all?

Hi Michelle, You could leave them as they are for the winter, for winter interest in the garden and the birds like the seeds. Then early next spring cut the dead shoots back before the new sprouts appear from the ground, to about 2 - 3 inches from the ground. By leaving them til the spring, the birds eat the seeds and you get little volunteer plants popping up here and there. Or if you prefer, you can cut them down, same height after they've been knocked back by the frost this fall. I've done it both ways and they both work the same for me. Good luck!