Perennial
Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
A hardy clump-forming perennial with long-lasting summer flowers that attract pollinators. It prefers sun and well-drained soil, then tolerates short dry periods once established.
- Size
- 1–1.5 m high · 0.3–0.6 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Dies back
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Avoid soil that stays wet in winter; poor drainage is a greater threat than frost.
- Cultivars differ strongly in height and flower colour, so check the label before planting.
Why choose it
- Flowers for a long period and supports bees, butterflies and seed-eating birds.
- Works in prairie-style borders, naturalistic planting and cut-flower beds.
Care
- Water during establishment and in prolonged summer drought.
- Deadhead for more flowers or leave selected seed heads for winter interest and birds.
- Cut old stems back before new spring growth.