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Plant Profiles / Purple coneflower
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea · Echinacea, coneflower
A tough, cheerful perennial with pink-purple daisy flowers and bronze cones that attract bees and butterflies all summer, then seed-eating birds in autumn.
Full sunLight
Weekly, drought tolerantWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
At least 6 hours of sun for strong stems and abundant flowers.
Water
Weekly, drought tolerant
DryWet
Water regularly while establishing, then only during prolonged dry spells. Pots need more frequent water.
Humidity
Low to average
LowHigh
Prefers good airflow.
Temperature
Hardy, -35–38°C (-31–100°F)
CoolWarm
Very cold hardy and heat tolerant.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 60–100 cm tall and 45 cm wide.
Soil
Average, well-drained
LeanRich
Tolerates poor soil. Avoid soggy conditions.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Little fertiliser needed. Rich soil reduces flowering.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to central and eastern North American prairies, purple coneflower is heat and drought tolerant once established. Modern varieties come in white, orange, red and double forms. Leave some seedheads in autumn for birds and winter interest.
Best spots
Sunny balconies in deep pots, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens and meadow plantings.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Echinacea purpurea |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Origin | Central & eastern North America |
| Plant type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Mature size | 60–100 cm tall |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Rough, lance-shaped leaves |
| Flowers | Pink-purple daisies with bronze cones |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Division or seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Cut back
Divide
Active growthFloweringCut backDivide
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Floppy stems | Too much shade or fertiliser. |
| Deformed green flowers | Aster yellows disease. Remove the affected plant. |
| White powder on leaves | Powdery mildew. Improve airflow. |
| Few flowers | Too much shade or crowded clump. Divide every 4 years. |
| Plant dies after one year | Wet winter soil. Improve drainage. |
Common questions
Should I deadhead?
Deadhead to extend flowering, then leave late seedheads for birds.
Does it spread?
It self-seeds a little, but stays in a tidy clump.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, in a deep pot with good drainage and full sun.
Is it the same echinacea used in herbal remedies?
Yes, it's the same plant.
