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Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower)

Echinacea purpurea Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea eh-kih-NAY-shah per-per-EE-ah Common Name: Purple coneflower Synonyms: Rudbeckia purpurea Genus: Echinacea
Because of its carefree performance, this native meadow perennial with daisy-like flowers appropriately inhabits the gardens of many. It blooms from midsummer into early autumn, with prominent, copper-orange central cones surrounded by rose-purple, ray petals (to 5 inches across).
 Noteworthy characteristics: Medicinal. Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds in winter if cones are left on plant. 
 Care: Grow in deep, well-drained soil in full sun. It is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils. Cut back stems to promote more flowering and reduce excessive self-seeding. Deadheading prolongs flowering.
 Propagation: Sow seed at 55°F in spring. Divide clumps in spring every 3 to 4 years. Take root cuttings from autumn to early winter.
 Problems: Leaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, and gray mold. Vine weevils may feed on roots.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Attracts Butterflies; Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower; Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Naturalizing
Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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