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Carex barrattii
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Echinacea purpurea

Native Plants

Purple Coneflower

2 Photos


Summary

Imagine your surprise seeing a bright yellow finch breakfasting on your purple coneflower. 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. Typical purple coneflower is 2-4’ tall. This wildflower performs best in full sun, but tolerates filtered shade with fewer flowers. Purple coneflower grows well in a wide range soil types as long as they are well drained. It combines well with Schizachyrium scoparium, Andropogon virginicus, Coreopsis major, Silphium mohrii, and Rudbeckia hirta.


More Details

  • Plant Type
    perennial 
  • Sun/Shade Conditions
    filtered-shade, full-sun 
  • Foliage Character
    deciduous 
  • Soil Moisture
    average, dry 
  • Flowering Period
    mid-summer
  • Soil PH
    adaptable 
  • Flower Color
    purple 
  • Summer Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fall Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fruit/Seed Color
    brown