Native Purple Coneflower

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds flock to the showy blooms of the native purple coneflower. The flowers consist of large orangish, spiky centers surrounded by rosy-purple petals. Flowers fade to become spiky seed heads that feed songbirds into the winter. Known scientifically as Echinacea purpurea, this native plant begins blooming in July and continues into late summer.

This plant is exceptionally tough and easy to maintain. It is compact enough and the bloom period is long enough that it is a valuable addition to small gardens; it also is a must-have in larger prairie-style plantings. Position it near vegetable gardens to ensure your prized veggies will benefit from the pollinators that flock to the area.  Combine it with ornamental grasses to create a spectacular display.

Native Purple Coneflower Care

The native purple coneflower requires a site with full or partial sun to perform well. It prefers a well-drained, fertile loam soil but can tolerate clay and dry soils. Once established, it is drought tolerant but can wilt if it gets too dry in the hot sun. Fertilize the plant annually in early spring as new growth emerges with a slow-release fertilizer to encourage vigor. 

You can cut this plant back in the fall once it dies back to keep an area looking tidy. Alternatively, wait until spring before or just as new growth begins to emerge to keep a bit of winter interest and feed birds. If you want to keep the plant looking tidy, cut off spent blooms. Promote a bushier habit by cutting each stem back by half in spring; this may delay blooming a bit, though.

Native Purple Coneflower Spacing

The purple coneflower grows two to three feet tall with a slightly smaller spread. Space multiple plants a bit over a foot apart. Over time they grow in clumps that can be divided if they seem crowded.