The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

‘White Swan’ purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’

eh-kih-NAY-shah per-per-EE-ah Audio
'White Swan' coneflower

This cultivar of our native coneflower has white, daisy-like flowers from early summer into early autumn. Its prominent, coppery-green, central cones are surrounded by large white ray petals that reach 4.5 inches long.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsMedicinal; attracts butterflies, bees, and birds in winter if cones are left on plant

CareGrow 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.

PropagationSow seed at 55°F in spring. Divide clumps in spring every 3 to 4 years. Take root cuttings from autumn to early winter.

ProblemsLeaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, and gray mold. Vine weevils may feed on roots.

  • Genus : Echinacea
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Characteristics : Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Pollinators, Cut flower, Deer Resistant, North American Native, Self Seeds, Showy Seed Heads
  • Uses : Color, Dry areas, Foundation Plantings, Front Yard, Sun
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Foliage Color : Green
  • Bloom Time : Late Summer, Summer
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : North American Natives, Perennials
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : White

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide