These different types of coneflower thrive in deep, well-drained and humus-rich soil with full sun. Whether you wish to add your coneflower varieties to a cottage garden border or as a graceful edging to a garden path, large borders are the best setting. That said, compact cultivars can work in smaller spaces. Prepare soil thoroughly before planting, adding in large amounts of well-rotted manure or compost. Growing conditions should mimic this plant’s natural habitat: open and free-draining. Cold, wet winters do not favor echinaceas. Adding extra drainage will help, so mix some grit and sand into your organic matter.