The best coneflowers do come back, as they are perennials. However, sometimes they don’t make it through winter – not because of the cold, but as a result of waterlogged ground. It can help to grow your coneflower varieties in a sloping garden or a raised part of the plot. Also, once established, echinaceas don’t like having their roots disturbed and being moved. To insure against losing echinacea varieties, harvest coneflower seeds or propagate from root cuttings in late fall, once a plant is dormant. Carefully lift mature clumps and take cuttings from the side. Grow these on and place in a heated propagator in spring.