When throwing fertilizer around coneflowers...is it best to just throw it and let it fall or do you put neatly?

do you spread out 20 or so granules neatly around the base of each flower or just take your hand and throw it everywhere ..over area? which is best and why? also, how many granules one coneflower really needs? and if using the high phosphorous fertilizer..is it okay or better ?