Echinacea purpurea 'Kim'
perennialN. America Native

Kim's Knee High Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Kim'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea purpurea 'Kim' is a robust perennial with striking purple flowers that attract pollinators and provide a long blooming season.

This cultivar features a unique elongated petal form and is known for its drought tolerance and resilience.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesEchinacea purpurea Kim adds vibrant color to gardens, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies with its striking purple flowers.
Practical UsesIts long-lasting flowers can be dried for arrangements, and it is valued for its potential medicinal properties.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local pollinators, enhances biodiversity, and is drought-tolerant once established.
SpeciesEchinacea purpureaPurple Coneflower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
  3. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, typically 6 weeks after sprouting.
  4. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, organic fertilizer.
  5. Pinch back young plants to promote bushier growth during early summer.
  6. Divide mature plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and full sun for vibrant, long-lasting blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
  • Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
  • Fertilize in early spring with compost or balanced organic fertilizer
  • Divide clumps every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t prune in late fall or winter, wait until early spring
  • Refrain from using synthetic fertilizers that can harm beneficial insects
  • Don’t disturb roots excessively during division

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant perennial border with purple flowersWildflower meadow for ecological benefitsDried flower arrangements with vanilla scent

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kim's Knee High Coneflower questions

What zones can Kim's Knee High Coneflower grow in?

Kim's Knee High 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 Kim's Knee High Coneflower deer resistant?

Yes — Kim's Knee High Coneflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Kim's Knee High Coneflower bloom?

Kim's Knee High 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 Kim's Knee High Coneflower need full sun?

Kim's Knee High Coneflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Kim's Knee High Coneflower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Kim's Knee High Coneflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Kim's Knee High 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.