Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower): The Classic Native Meadow Perennial

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a carefree native meadow perennial with daisy-like flowers from midsummer to early autumn. Prominent copper-orange central cones surrounded by rose-purple ray petals (to 5 inches across). Medicinal; attracts butterflies, bees, and birds (if cones left).

Culture & Care

• Soil: Deep, well-drained; full sun.
• Tolerance: Drought, heat, humidity, poor soils.
• Maintenance: Cut back stems for more flowers; deadhead to prolong bloom.
• Propagation: Seed at 55°F spring; divide clumps every 3–4 years; root cuttings autumn to early winter.

Potential Problems

Leaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, gray mold; vine weevils.

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