Eastern Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

ek-in-AY-shee-a pur-PUR-ee-uh
2 to 3 ft.
1 to 2 ft.
Add To Favorite Plants
 

moderate

purple-pink

mid-summer

2 to 3 ft.

1 to 2 ft.

No

Central plains to southeast United States

sun

USDA zones 4-9

Eastern coneflower is a native perennial flower that grows naturally along waterways of the Great Plains. It has broad, dark green, fuzzy leaves with a sturdy upright flower stalk.

The long-lasting flowers are fairly large and daisy-shaped. The brown cone-shaped centers are surrounded by purple rays (petals) that are usually drooping. The seed heads are reddish-brown.

This is one of the native conflowers from which many of the improved cultivars have been bred.

moderate

purple-pink

mid-summer

2 to 3 ft.

1 to 2 ft.

No

Central plains to southeast United States

sun

USDA zones 4-9

In the wild, purple coneflower naturally grow along waterways so it will benefit from regular watering. The flowers are quite attractive. Deer and rabbits sometimes browse the plants in spring, causing minor damage.

The seedheads are very showy in fall, so we leave them standing for winter interest. Birds browse the seed in fall and winter.

Eastern purple coneflower should be trimmed to the ground in early spring. After flowering, the central "cone" can be left to provide winter interest and seed for birds, if desired.