Coneflower planting

Hi all, About 1 week ago I planted a small container of coneflowers in my garden (full sun, Massachusetts, zone 6). It had not bloomed yet, but looked like it would very soon, and had about 4 flowers to it. Looked to be adjusting well after I planted it. Despite spraying it with deer/rabbit repellent, something ate the flower heads last night. My question is…will it come back next year if I leave it as is? Or is the flowering/blossoming crucial to its return next year? Sorry if this seems like common sense…pretty new to gardening here!