Coneflowers prefer soil that drains well, and they tolerate dry soil and drought well. Cultivated from plants native to the American plains and prairies, coneflowers don't require heavy fertilization, and prefer soil that won't become waterlogged. When planting coneflowers, skip amendments if your soil is rocky or sandy. If you have rich, clay-heavy soil, add loam or sand before planting your coneflowers.