Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Beloved native prairie flower with daisy-like purple blooms.
Care Instructions
Water weekly during the first growing season. Once established, highly drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry spells (no rain for 3+ weeks). Overwatering is the primary killer.
Full sun strongly preferred (6–8+ hours). Tolerates light afternoon shade in the South. Shade causes weak, floppy stems.
Average to poor, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0. Does not need amendment or fertilizer. Rich soil causes flopping and reduced flowering.
Seasonal Guide
Best Planting Time
Spring after last frost or early fall. From seed, start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost (needs cold stratification for best germination).
Bloom / Growth Season
Blooms July–September. Leave seedheads standing through winter — goldfinches depend on them. Deadhead some for tidiness, leave others for self-seeding.
Dormancy
Dies back fully after hard frost. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigor.
Common Problems & Solutions
Aster yellows disease (distorted flowers, yellowing)
No cure. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Control leafhoppers (the vector) with insecticidal soap.
Japanese beetle feeding on petals
Hand-pick in early morning. Neem oil spray deters feeding. Avoid Japanese beetle traps (they attract more beetles).
Root rot from poor drainage
Move to raised bed or improve drainage with coarse grit. Never let plants sit in standing water.
Plant Details
USDA Zones
3a, 3b, 4a, 4b +9
Maintenance
low
Mature Height
2-4 ft
Native Regions
Central & Eastern US
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