Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Eastern Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea — commonly called Purple Coneflower — is a hardy, long-blooming native perennial valued for its large rosy-purple flowers with slightly drooping petals and prominent orange-brown cones, appearing from early summer into fall. Dark green, slightly coarse foliage forms a sturdy, upright clump and remains attractive through the season, sometimes developing muted tones in fall. Its durable nature and naturalized look make it a staple in prairie plantings, borders, and pollinator gardens.

Mature Size:
Width: 18–24 in
Height: 30–48 in

USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy conditions
Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and songbirds (seed heads)

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Upright, clump-forming perennial with strong, branching stems
Excellent for borders, prairie gardens, naturalized areas, and pollinator plantings
Native species supports beneficial insects and wildlife
Long bloom period provides consistent summer color
Deer resistant and low maintenance

Maintenance:
Deadhead to extend blooming or leave seed heads for winter interest
Cut back in late fall or early spring
Divide clumps every few years if needed

Plant type

Perennial

Height

30-48''

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

Purple

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds, Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No