Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beloved native perennial wildflower known for its rosy-purple petals surrounding bold, copper-orange center cones. A summer-to-fall favorite in pollinator gardens, it draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its long-lasting blooms. Ideal for borders, wildflower meadows, native plantings, and cut-flower gardens, this hardy prairie plant thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and returns year after year with increasing blooms.
Features
- Classic rosy-purple flowers with prominent cone centers.
- Native perennial attractive to bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
- Non-GMO Echinacea purpurea seed variety.
- Heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
- Ideal for meadow gardens, perennial borders, and cut flowers.
- Long-lived and low-maintenance in sunny soil.
Specifications
- Common Name: Purple Coneflower, Echinacea
- Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Plant Type: Perennial flowering herb
- USDA Zones: 3–9
- Bloom Colors: Purple to pink petals, orange cone
- Height: 24–48 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
- Soil Preference: Well-drained average soil; tolerates clay
- Water Needs: Low to moderate
- Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees, butterflies)
- Wildlife Support: Seedheads feed birds if left standing
- Drought Tolerance: High once established
- Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches
- Seed Viability: 2–4 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- For best germination, cold stratify seeds for 4–6 weeks (refrigerate in moist medium).
- Sow indoors or direct sow in fall or early spring.
- Press seeds gently into the soil and lightly cover 1/8 inch.
- Keep soil evenly moist until germination (10–30 days).
- Transplant seedlings outdoors when frost risk has passed.
- Choose full sun for strongest flowering and growth.
- Water moderately during establishment; reduce watering after roots develop.
- Cut back spent flowers to prolong blooming, or leave seedheads for winter birds.
- Plants will expand each year; divide after 3–4 years if desired.
