Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Also known as: Hedgehog coneflower

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), native to North America, thrives in prairies and open woodlands. It's a great addition to gardens and flower beds for several reasons. The plant's vibrant blooms not only provide color throughout the summer but also attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Purple coneflower

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

10 cm to 50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

7 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Pink Purple White Brown Red Orange Yellow

Images of Purple coneflower

Quickly Identify Purple coneflower

Prominent purplish-brown central disc with lavender ray petals in a daisy-like arrangement.

Coarse, scabrous leaves with serrate edges, dark green color, and ovate-lanceolate shape.

Stem is light green with purple streaks, white hairs, slightly rough texture, and moderate thickness.

Distinct hairy stem with fine hairs, upright growth, and occasional branching near floral arrangements.

Small, dry, dark achenes with 4-sided shape nestled in a prominent central cone.

Scientific Classification of Purple coneflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Coneflowers

Species

Purple coneflower

Planting and Growing of Purple coneflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Purple coneflower?

When watering Echinacea purpurea, aim to provide approximately 500 milliliters each time. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, allowing the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively. Watering deeply but less frequently encourages the plant to develop a strong root system.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Purple coneflower? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Purple coneflower? ›

How to save an overwatered Purple coneflower? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Purple coneflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Echinacea purpurea prefers full sun, ideally thriving in environments offering six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. This light promotes vibrant flower coloration, robust growth, and cultivates an overall healthier plant, sustaining pollinators.

What is the ideal light condition for Echinacea purpurea? ›

How can you achieve ideal lighting for Echinacea purpurea? ›

What benefits does Echinacea purpurea gain from ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Purple coneflower?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Echinacea purpurea lies between 60°F to 75°F. This range ensures optimal growth and flowering, providing the necessary warmth without stressing the plant. During this temperature range, the plant can efficiently carry out photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.

What Soil is Best for Purple coneflower?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Echinacea purpurea thrives in well-drained soils which help prevent root rot. The ability to remove excess water protects the plant from diseases and supports robust root health. A moderately fertile soil ensures that Echinacea has sufficient nutrients without excessive growth that could make it lanky and weak. Incorporating organic matter improves soil structure and provides a slow release of nutrients, enhancing the growth and vibrancy of Echinacea purpurea. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Purple coneflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Echinacea purpurea, a moderate application of fertilizer is adequate. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength, approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. For slow-release granules, evenly sprinkle about 3 tablespoons per square foot around the base of the plant. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Purple coneflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Begin by identifying and removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts close to the base. This prevents disease from spreading and invigorates the plant's growth. Once blooms start fading, cut the spent flowers back to just above a leaf node or lateral flower bud. Deadheading not only tidies up the appearance of the echinacea but also promotes the growth of new blooms, prolonging the flowering season. In late autumn, when flowering has ceased, cut back the entire plant to about 4-6 inches above the ground. This prepares the plant for winter and encourages dormancy, ensuring a healthy regrowth in the spring. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Purple coneflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Collect mature seeds in autumn and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. Before planting, stratify seeds by refrigerating them for 4-6 weeks to improve germination rates.

Select healthy stems from the parent plant and cut them just below a node using a sharp knife. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches in length.

In early summer, carefully dig up mature plants and separate the root clumps with multiple shoots. Replant the divided sections immediately to prevent desiccation.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Purple coneflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Echinacea purpurea shows its need for repotting through visible roots outgrow their current container, or when the plant shows diminished growth and vitality. The best time is during early spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, allowing it to recover quickly in its new space.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. This ensures that the plant has ample space to grow without being overwhelmed by too much empty soil that can retain excess moisture, leading to root rot.

Opt for well-draining soil mixed with organic matter like compost. This ensures that the roots receive enough nutrients and oxygen without being waterlogged, supporting robust growth and abundant flowering.

More About Repotting Techniques→