Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Family: Coneflower

Type: Perennial

Other Common Name: Eastern Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea purpurea, is a popular perennial plant. It’s widely cherished for its vibrant purple-pink flowers and cone-shaped centers.

This plant is not just a visual delight; it’s also known for its medicinal properties. Echinacea has been used traditionally to boost immunity and treat various ailments.

Purple Coneflowers are hardy and drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. They thrive in a variety of conditions and are long-lasting from summer through fall.

Needs & Preferences

Hardiness Zone: 3a-9a

Deer Resistant: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Moisture Preference: Dry to moist

Sun Needs: Full sun

Drought Tolerance (Xeriscape): Yes

Growth

Growth Rate: Medium

Average Height (feet): 3

Average Spread (feet): 2

Average Life Span (years): 10

Form: Upright spreading

Ornamental

Flower Color: Purple

Flower Eye Color: Copper

Flower Shape: Daisy

Bloom Season: From mid summer to early fall

Foliage Color: Green

Foliage Shape: Pointy

Landscaping Your Yard With Purple Coneflower

Incorporating Purple Coneflowers into your landscape adds a burst of color and texture. They are perfect for creating a lively and vibrant garden.

These flowers work well in mixed borders or as mass plantings. Their tall, sturdy stems make them ideal as a backdrop for shorter plants.

Purple Coneflowers are great for attracting butterflies and bees. Planting them can turn your garden into a lively hub of pollinator activity.

purple_flowers_purple_coneflower_echinacea_purpurea_plant_by_number

Suitable Garden Styles

Cottage Garden

In a cottage garden, Purple Coneflowers add charm and color. They blend well with other cottage-style plants, creating a whimsical and relaxed atmosphere.

Prairie or Meadow Garden

Their native prairie habitat makes them perfect for a prairie or meadow-style garden. Here, they can grow freely and naturally, adding to the wild, open feel of the landscape.

Wildlife Garden

Purple Coneflowers are a fantastic addition to wildlife gardens. Their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies helps create a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Purple Coneflower Landscaping Ideas

Cluster Purple Coneflowers for a dramatic display. Grouping them creates a sea of color that’s visually striking.

Use them as a border plant. Their height and vibrant color make them ideal for defining the edges of garden beds or paths.

Pair them with ornamental grasses. The contrast of textures between the grasses and the coneflowers can be quite stunning.

Seasonal Interest

Spring

In spring, Purple Coneflowers begin to grow their green foliage. The leaves start to form a base for the tall flower stalks that will soon emerge.

Summer

Summer is the peak bloom time for Purple Coneflowers. The garden comes alive with their vibrant purple-pink flowers, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Fall

In fall, the flowers may fade, but the coneflowers remain attractive. Their seed heads provide interest in the garden and food for birds.

Winter

During winter, Purple Coneflowers go dormant. The stalks and seed heads can be left standing for winter interest and to provide food for wildlife.

Companion Plants

flowers

Blazing Star

Liatris spicata

View plant
flowers

Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass

Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition'

View plant
flowers

Planting Tips

Where to Plant

Purple Coneflowers should be planted in an area with full sun to partial shade. They perform best in sunny locations where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Light

Full sun is ideal for Purple Coneflowers, promoting the best bloom and plant health. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less light.

Soil

These flowers prefer well-drained soil but are adaptable to various soil types. They can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrive in soil enriched with organic matter.

Spacing

Space Purple Coneflowers about 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and gives each plant room to grow and spread.

When to Plant

The best time to plant Purple Coneflowers is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed or in the early fall.

How to Plant

Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Care Tips

Watering

Water regularly, especially during prolonged dry spells. Once established, Purple Coneflowers are quite drought-tolerant but perform best with consistent moisture.

Fertilizing

Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in the spring. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth, so it’s important not to overdo it.

Pruning

Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowering. Cut back the plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Spring Care

In spring, remove any old, dead foliage and apply a layer of compost or a balanced fertilizer to encourage vigorous new growth.

Summer Care

During summer, water as needed and continue to deadhead. Watch for signs of pests or disease, though Purple Coneflowers are generally quite robust.

Fall Care

In fall, you can leave the seed heads on the plants to provide food for birds and winter interest. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.

Winter Care

In winter, Purple Coneflowers are dormant. If you didn't cut back the plants in the fall, you can do so in late winter, leaving the stalks to provide winter interest.

FAQ

How Long Do Purple Coneflowers Bloom?

Purple Coneflowers typically bloom from early summer to late summer, and deadheading can extend their blooming period into fall.

Are Purple Coneflowers Perennials?

Yes, Purple Coneflowers are perennials. They will return each year and can even spread to fill in the garden space.

Can Purple Coneflowers Be Grown in Containers?

Yes, they can be grown in containers, provided the container is large enough to accommodate their root system and has good drainage.

Join our blooming community

Sign up below to be the first to learn about exclusive deals, discounts, and new collections!
We’ll also deliver the latest tips, trends, and gardening inspiration straight to your inbox.

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter!

A big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.

We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay tuned!

Go back

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter!

A big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.

We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.

Stay tuned!

Go back