Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Spider'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Echinacea purpurea is a popular, robust, and drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial. It features large, daisy-like flowers with slightly drooping, rose-purple rays (petals) surrounding a prominent, spiny, coppery-brown central cone. Valued for its long bloom period, it attracts a wide array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. In fall and winter, the seed heads provide food for finches and other birds.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Divide plants every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead to extend flowering period
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during peak bloom
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Coneflower questions
What zones can Purple Coneflower grow in?
Purple Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Coneflower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Coneflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Purple Coneflower bloom?
Purple Coneflower typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Coneflower need full sun?
Purple Coneflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Purple Coneflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Coneflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Echinacea to compare
Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
Butterfly Kisses Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Butterfly Kisses'
Purple Coneflower Rainbow
Echinacea purpurea 'Rainbow'
Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Cheyenne Spirit Mix'
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Primadonna Deep Rose'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Purple Coneflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
