Big daisy flowers with drooping rose-purple petals around a bristly copper cone, a magnet for bees and butterflies. Seed heads feed finches if left standing into winter.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1 m H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea is a moderate-growing perennial in the Asteraceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Purple and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice, is deer-resistant and is an award-winning selection.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Purple Coneflower provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Purple Coneflower is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Purple Coneflower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Purple Coneflower in the garden
Purple Coneflower earns its place for feeding bees and pollinators, attracting butterflies, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Purple Coneflower with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Purple Coneflower
Plant Sale lists Purple Coneflower as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.