Wildlife & Pollinator Value
One of the best all-around wildlife plants. Supports native bees, butterflies, and overwintering birds.
Design Ideas with Purple Coneflower
Companion Plants
Deer & Browsing Animals
Purple Coneflower is generally considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, the foliage is typically not palatable to deer, making it a reliable choice for gardens where browsing pressure is a concern.
Drought Tolerance
Purple Coneflower is drought tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes, xeriscaping, and low-irrigation gardens.
Growing Conditions for Echinacea purpurea
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Loam,Sand · Well-Drained
Water
Low
Planting, Maintenance & Propagation
Planting Tips
Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds. Divide every 3–4 years in spring. Very heat and drought tolerant once established.
Propagation
Origin & References
Native Region: Eastern North America
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
A beloved prairie native with rose-pink to purple ray petals and a prominent spiny orange-brown center cone. A magnet for butterflies and bees in summer, and goldfinches feast on the seed heads in winter.
| Botanical Name | Echinacea purpurea |
| Plant Type & Habit | Perennial, Upright |
| Hardiness Zone (USDA) | 3-9 |
| Heat Zone | 1-8 |
| Size | 3-5 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Sun & Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil | Loam,Sand |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Moisture | Low |
| Evergreen / Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Seasonal Interest | Summer,Fall · Color: Pink,PurpleWinter |
| Fruit / Seed | Prominent spiny seed cones persist through winter and feed birds |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Primary Uses | BorderMeadowPollinator GardenCutting Garden |
Tolerance
Attracts
Garden Uses
Care – Quick
Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds. Divide every 3–4 years in spring. Very heat and drought tolerant once established.
- Water:Low
- Maintenance:Low
- Propagation:Seed, Division
- Companions:Black-Eyed Susan, Ornamental Grasses, Salvia, Yarrow