Really, it’s completely up to you. Deadheading is not necessary to enjoy the blooms, but it does encourage new flower production. However, there is a good reason to avoid deadheading. Birds and other wildlife love the spent seed heads and will commonly visit them throughout fall and winter. To get the most out of your coneflowers, we do suggest deadheading in the summer, then when fall starts, to stop deadheading and leave the remaining flowers standing. You’ll get more blooms in the summer, then invite life to the garden in late fall and winter.