Echinacea purpurea
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Echinacea purpurea |
| Common Name | Purple Coneflower |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Height | 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 meters) |
| Spread | 1.5 to 2 feet (0.45 to 0.6 meters) |
| Foliage | Dark green, lance-shaped leaves |
| Flower Color | Purple to pink, distinctive cone-shaped centres |
| Bloom Time | Summer to early fall |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-draining, fertile soil |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate |
| Uses | Borders, pollinator gardens, cut flowers |
| Notable Feature | Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun for the best flowering.
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Soil Preparation: Well-draining, fertile soil is preferred.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 1.5 to 2 feet apart.
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Watering: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Echinacea is drought-tolerant once established.
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Mulching: Mulching can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Cut back stems in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
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Fertilizing: Echinacea generally doesn't require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer in spring may be beneficial.
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a robust herbaceous perennial celebrated for its attractive purple to pink flowers with distinctive cone-shaped centres. With a height ranging from 2 to 5 feet, it adds a vertical element to borders and pollinator gardens. This plant is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Echinacea purpurea is also popular as a cut flower, bringing its vibrant colours indoors.