Species

Echinacea purpureaPurple Coneflower

146 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Lakota Red'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea purpurea is an upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial native to the central and eastern United States, characterized by coarse, rough-hairy foliage and daisy-like flower heads with prominent central cones. The species thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, demonstrating high drought tolerance once established.

'Lakota Red' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that reaches only 12 to 16 inches in height, making it ideal for borders and containers. The flowers feature horizontal ray florets in shades of bright red, reddish-orange, and pinkish-red surrounding a dark central cone.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces compact clumps of deep red, daisy-like flowers that fade gracefully, creating a multi-toned color gradient over a long blooming season.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and performs well in poor, rocky soils where other perennials struggle.

Highly attractive to native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while the dried winter seed heads provide a critical food source for goldfinches.

SpeciesEchinacea purpureaPurple Coneflower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

16"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location with neutral to slightly acidic, highly permeable soil.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-resistant root system.
Apply a light top-dressing of compost in spring, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers that cause weak, floppy stems.
Deadhead spent summer blooms to stimulate continuous flowering into the fall.

Pro Tip

Provide exceptional drainage in winter, as cold, waterlogged soil is the primary cause of cultivar mortality. Do not mistake the distorted, green-flowered symptoms of aster yellows or eriophyid mites for natural mutations; immediately remove and destroy affected plants to prevent spread.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent soil drainage, especially during the winter months.
Leave some spent flower heads intact in late fall to provide winter food for goldfinches.
Divide the root clumps every three to four years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying, boggy areas or heavy clay that retains winter moisture.
Do not prune heavily into the old, woody central crown of the plant.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen reduces flower production and weakens stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border frontsMass plantingsCutting gardensContainer specimensPrairie and meadow gardens

Companion Plants

Rudbeckia fulgida Salvia nemorosa Schizachyrium scoparium Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coneflower questions

What zones can Coneflower grow in?

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 Coneflower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Coneflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Coneflower bloom?

Coneflower typically blooms in early summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coneflower need full sun?

Coneflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coneflower drought tolerant?

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