Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a perennial plant that is well-loved for its striking flowers and medicinal properties. Known for its resilience and ability to thrive in poor soils, it attracts a wide variety of pollinators.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining soil with moderate fertility.
- Tuck seeds just below soil surface and water gently.
- Place in full sun for optimal growth.
- Maintain consistent moisture until established.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, after 6 weeks.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Sow seeds directly in early spring for best blooms and naturalized appearance.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don't fertilize in late fall
- Refrain from excessive pruning in late season
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 4–9. 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 'Primadonna Deep Rose'
Double Delight Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'Double Delight'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
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.
