Summary
Imagine your surprise seeing a bright yellow finch breakfasting on your purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). This easy to grow perennial is suited for naturalizing in masses as well as the perennial border. Each stalk bears a spiny, orange center surrounded by showy, drooping ray petals that are typically purplish pink. Numerous cultivars are available in a range of colors and heights. Purple coneflower grows 2-4’ tall and performs best in full sun. It tolerates filtered shade but will produce fewer flowers. Purple coneflower grows well in a wide range of soil types as long as they are well drained. It combines well with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), greater tickseed (Coreopsis major), Mohr’s rosinweed (Silphium mohrii), and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-shade-to-full-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-dry - Flowering Period
mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
purple - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Flora of North America, USDA Plants Database