Echinacea purpurea

©1998

PURPLE CONEFLOWER
Family: Asteraceae
Pronounced: ek-in-AY-see-ah pur-PEWR-ree-ah

GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin: North America.
Plant Group: Perennial herb.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: A2, A3; 1-24. USDA zones: 3-9.
Mature size: Height: 2-3 feet (60-90cm). Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period: Midsummer to early autumn.
Flowering attributes: Brown disks surrounded by purple-red reflexed petals.
Leaf attributes: Hairy, ovate basal 6-inch leaves.
Growth habit: Clump-forming.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed at 68°F (20°C) in spring. | Divide in autumn of spring.
Pruning Methods: Dead head flowers for longer bloom period.

Rainy Side Notes

Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos that refers to the prickly receptacle scales; purpurea means purple flower.

My first echinacea I grew years ago was one of my favorites in the herb garden. With many new hybrids in the coneflower clan, this tends to take a back seat to the cultivars. However, many of the hybrids have this species in its lineage.

This species is a great butterfly, bird and bee plant. Leaving the seed heads in place will bring in flocks of goldfinches, who will devour the seeds over winter.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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