Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Family: Aster (Asteraceae) Plant Characteristics: Stout, upright, herbaceous perennial to 5 feet in height; conspicuous, coarse green leaves, elliptical to somewhat variable-shaped with mostly toothed margins, alternately attached to stems; single large, pink-to-purple, daisy-like flowers atop robust stems. Hardiness Zones: 3a-7b Bloom Period: Summer (June-August) Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist-to-dry, organically rich, well-drained soil. This popular native wildflower is well suited for everything from small garden spaces to larger naturalized meadows or prairies. The showy and distinctive flowers begin to appear in summer and bloom profusely until early fall. The domed, spiny centers provide a sturdy landing platform for butterflies and other pollinators and easy access to abundant nectar. Although tolerant of poor soil and drought once established, richer garden soil and consistent moisture will enhance overall growth and flower production. Purple coneflower is widely available commercially, and numerous striking cultivars exist in various colors. Regular deadheading of blooms will encourage continued flowering. Spent flower heads provide abundant seed resources for hungry songbirds, including goldfinches, cardinals, and others. Use in perennial beds with other sun-loving, shorter-lived perennials. It's easily propagated by seed or root division. For a somewhat more delicate-looking alternative, try pale purple coneflower (pg. 217), which grows well in similar conditions and freely self-seeds. Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and many other insect pollinators. Songbirds consume the seeds. Excerpted from Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees and Butterflies: Lower Midwest by Jaret C. Daniels All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
