Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Perennial

Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea

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Features
Dependable garden perennial offering daisy-like flowers that are now available in many colors ranging from white to yellow to orange to red.  
 
Culture
Prefers a well-drained garden soil in full sun. Tolerant of heat and drought once established.  
 
Cultivars

Many cultivars available. Some include:

'Magnus' 2-3 feet tall, rose colored flowers

'Ruby Giant' 2-3 feet tall, large rose colored flowers up to 3 inches across

'White Swan' 2-3 feet tall, white flowers

'Kim's Knee high' 18-24 inches tall, short compact, rose colored flowers

'Big Sky Series' 2-3 feet tall, entire series of Echinacea offering colors ranging from orange to yellow to red to light yellow

 
 
Mature Height
2-4 Feet
 
Size
Medium
Tall
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 8 
 
Bloom Color
Orange
Peach
Pink
Purple
Red
Salmon
White
Yellow
 
 
Bloom Season
June - August
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Bacterial Disease

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Powdery mildew, botrytis, xanthomonas, pseudomonus
 
Additional Notes
Easy to grow and long lived. Avoid heavy fertilization which leads to tall leggy plants that fall over. Deadhead to extend the bloom period. Reported to be deer resistant. Seed heads attract birds.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic