Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower is one of the most beloved native wildflowers in North America, and for good reason. Its large rosy-purple petals surround a prominent coppery-orange cone, creating a bold display full of texture and contrast that blooms for months during the heart of summer. The flowers rise above sturdy stems and deep green foliage, bringing vibrant color and a classic prairie look to gardens of every size.

While many gardeners recognize Purple Coneflower for its beauty, its durability is just as impressive. It tolerates heat, drought, clay soils, and neglect once established, making it one of the easiest native plants to grow. The long bloom period provides reliable color from summer into fall, while the distinctive seed heads continue to add structure and interest throughout the winter months. Planting it alongside the earlier-blooming Pale Purple Coneflower will extend your coneflower blooms by several weeks!

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium to dry; adaptable to a wide variety of soils
Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 1–2 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: June through September

Wildlife Value
Purple Coneflower is a favorite of pollinators, attracting native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, skippers, and other beneficial insects throughout its long bloom season. After flowering, the seed heads become an important food source for goldfinches and other songbirds, which often perch on the stems to pick out seeds well into winter. Its combination of nectar, pollen, and seeds makes it one of the most wildlife-friendly plants in the garden.

Blooms Alongside: wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Dense blazing star (liatris spicata), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigidum)

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