Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

Though native to the Midwestern US, Echinacea purpurea is commonly cultivated in the Mid-Atlantic Region, popular with gardeners, pollinators, and goldfinches. It also is a plant that retains interest beyond the growing season. This video shows how Echinacea transitions from summer to autumn to winter in the demonstration gardens. Imagine how it might fare in your flowerpots or beds.

Purple Coneflower has a rich history of medicinal use that has resulted in its over harvesting and decline in its natural habitat, centered in Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. The few established populations in Virginia and Pennsylvania appear to be escapes from cultivation. So many beneficial insects (and goldfinches) flock to it though, one thinks of Echinacea as native. In any case, its attributes make it a “must-have” for a sunny garden.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) emerging in April.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) showing involucral bracts in June.
Photo © Mary Free
Bombus bimaculatus (two-spotted bumble bee) and Atalopedes campestris (sachem skipper) on Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) in July.
Photo © Mary Free
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) sparsely pubescent leaves with ciliate margins in July.
Photo © Mary Free
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) en masse in July.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Papilio glaucus (eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly) on Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in July.
Photo © Elaine Mills
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) hirsute stems in August.
Photo © Mary Free
Spinus tristis (American goldfinch) on Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in August.
Photo © Christa Watters
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) seed heads in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Print Version (Legal Size): Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

Echinacea purpurea - Perennial Height: 2–4 feet Spread: 11⁄2–2 feet Bloom Color: Mauve, lavender Characteristics Tallish perennial with coarse dark green foliage Prickly, deep orange disk or “cone” encircled by mauve rays that droop with age; blooms for one month early summer, then may rebloom early fall Cone produces seeds, matures to brown/black Attributes Tolerates poor soil, heat, humidity; intolerant of water logging; susceptible to leaf spot (when watering do not get moisture on leaves/stems); deer seldom to occasionally severely damage Blooms last well as cut flowers Winter interest if not deadheaded & cones remain Ethnobotanic, therapeutic, and herbal uses Attracts beneficial insects and goldfinches; may be larval host to Silvery Checkerspot butterfly Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Slightly acid, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Prefers full sun but will wilt if soil is too dry Deadhead to control seeds–won’t affect rebloom Use in borders; butterfly, cutting or meadow gardens Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8 Excellent Replacement for Aster species (including Michaelmas Daisy); Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife; Melilotus officinalis – SweetcloverLearn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets