Thinning echinacea

[manicscousers]

I've so many plants in my small patch, I need to thin them out, can I pot up the roots for new plants, thanks for any advice 
 I may put them on to swap here as I've loads of them

[manicscousers]

anyone? 

[Garden Manager]

Not sure about thining or dividing, never had much luck with echinacea, despite several attempts from seed. Got some plants but i daren't attempt movin g them for fear of loosing them. Shame. One of my favourite late flowers.

I suppose its lift them when dormant and hope for the best.

Might be interested in some roots if you suceed lifting them.

[Unwashed]

Are you talking E. purpurea?  It's not something I grow but I've had a quick google and they don't appear to be that difficult - see for example here http://www.gardenguides.com/499-coneflower-echinacea-purpurea-garden-basics-flower-perennial.html.

Other Echinacea species have big tap roots so I'm guessing they're going to be more difficult to move unless they're very small or else dormant.

[sunloving]

Yes ive found once they like your place they just go mad. Just split them as any perrenial.
Bung them into pots.

One thing though they are thirsty plants and if they are still in the pots next summer they will need as much watering as your tomatoes!!

jealous! I cant get mine started.

x sunloving

[manicscousers]

I started with 6 plants, now I have a 6' bed, will have a go at thinning them when they go dormant, if they work, anyone who wants some is welcome  
sorry, unwashed, yes, purpurea..thanks for the link 

[GrannieAnnie]

I guess they're thirsty plants only when in a pot. They seem to not like to get soggy wet when in the ground.
The reason I like them here is that they tolerate drought so well. I only water them if they've been recently transplanted.