Purple Coneflower is an easy summer perennial for sunny gardens. Its botanical name is Echinacea purpurea, and it is known for purple-pink petals, raised cone-shaped centers, and flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Quick Answer
Purple Coneflower grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Most plants reach about 2 to 4 feet tall and bloom from summer into early fall. Water regularly while new plants are getting established, then let the soil dry a little between waterings. Leaving a few seed heads standing gives birds a food source later in the year.
What We’ve Seen Growing Purple Coneflower
At Bobby & Lynn’s Plant Farm, Purple Coneflower has handled our North Georgia summer heat well once established. New plants need steady water while their roots are spreading, especially during hot, dry weather.
Our Georgia red clay can hold moisture after heavy rain, so drainage matters. Purple Coneflower does not like sitting in soggy soil. A light layer of mulch helps hold moisture during summer, but we keep it pulled back from the base of the plant.
Sun, Soil, and Care
For the best flowering, plant Purple Coneflower where it receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. It can tolerate average soil and does not need rich ground to perform well.
Once established, it usually needs little fuss. Water deeply when needed rather than giving it a small amount every day. Cutting off some faded blooms can keep the plant tidy and may encourage more flowers.
Purple Coneflower also pairs well with Black-Eyed Susan in sunny beds and pollinator gardens.
We leave some spent flower heads standing after blooming ends. Birds can feed on the seeds, and the dried stems add winter interest. Old growth can be cut back in late winter or early spring before new shoots begin.
For more information about native wildflowers, visit the University of Georgia Extension.
Plant Details
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Color: Purple, Pink, Coppery Orange Center
Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
Mature Height: 2-4 feet
Mature Width: 1-2 feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Pruning Time: Late Fall, Early Spring
Notes
Purple Coneflower grows and flowers best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates heat, humidity, clay soil, and short periods of drought. Deadheading faded flowers may encourage additional blooming, but leaving some seed heads through fall and winter provides food for birds and adds seasonal interest. Avoid overly wet soil, especially during winter, because the roots may rot. Divide crowded plants every few years if flowering begins to decline.
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