Eastern Purple Coneflower
Eastern coneflower is a native perennial flower that grows naturally along waterways of the Great Plains. It has broad, dark green, fuzzy leaves with a sturdy upright flower stalk.
The long-lasting flowers are fairly large and daisy-shaped. The brown cone-shaped centers are surrounded by purple rays (petals) that are usually drooping. The seed heads are reddish-brown.
This is one of the native conflowers from which many of the improved cultivars have been bred.
Eastern Purple Coneflower
Eastern coneflower is a native perennial flower that grows naturally along waterways of the Great Plains. It has broad, dark green, fuzzy leaves with a sturdy upright flower stalk.
The long-lasting flowers are fairly large and daisy-shaped. The brown cone-shaped centers are surrounded by purple rays (petals) that are usually drooping. The seed heads are reddish-brown.
This is one of the native conflowers from which many of the improved cultivars have been bred.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Echinacea purpurea
Pronunciation
ek-in-AY-shee-a pur-PUR-ee-uh
Mature Height
2 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
purple-pink
Bloom time
mid-summer
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Central plains to southeast United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Performance
In the wild, purple coneflower naturally grow along waterways so it will benefit from regular watering. The flowers are quite attractive. Deer and rabbits sometimes browse the plants in spring, causing minor damage.
The seedheads are very showy in fall, so we leave them standing for winter interest. Birds browse the seed in fall and winter.
Maintenance
Eastern purple coneflower should be trimmed to the ground in early spring. After flowering, the central "cone" can be left to provide winter interest and seed for birds, if desired.