The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that thrives in the Coastal Bend. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it presents few, if any, problems and remains one of the most striking flowers in the garden.
Ideal for new gardeners, this native plant flourishes in the rich soil and abundant sunshine of the region’s coastal prairies. It can be sown directly into garden soil during the warm days of April. Growing in a carefree, clumping fashion, coneflowers produce numerous upright stalks from a central base.
With tall, sturdy stems, the purple coneflower makes an excellent choice for cut arrangements. Its stems are green with a purple tint, while its dark green, serrated leaves take on a triangular shape. The flower’s vibrant petals range from deep pink to purple, surrounding a striking black-to-purple center, adding a gorgeous touch to any bouquet.
Beyond its beauty, the purple coneflower serves as a rich nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Its florets provide abundant nectar, sustaining pollinators as they move throughout the garden. Swallowtail butterflies flock to the blooms in early summer, while hummingbirds frequently visit in the fall. From the plant’s first summer bloom to the first frost of winter, your garden will host a spectacular display of pollinators in motion.
For a stunning garden display or a beautiful floral arrangement, pair purple coneflowers with black-eyed Susans, butterfly weed, daisies, salvia or columbine.
Gardener’s Notes
Growing Up: Spacing, 2’ to 3’. Height, 2” to 3”. Purple coneflowers thrive in full sun and can be planted by transplant or direct seeding. They grow well in sandy or loamy soil, but it must be well-drained. To enrich the soil, add 4” of organic compost, half a cup of pastured poultry manure and half a cup of homemade wood ash per square foot. While drought-tolerant to a degree, regular watering during the summer heat ensures the best blooms. Frost will kill the plant, but it regrows from the roots each spring. For vibrant blooms, mulch with native leaves in July and August.
Profiling: Purple coneflowers bloom for two to three weeks in the garden. As they age, the petals gradually droop, fade in color and eventually drop. For cut flowers, harvest the tall, sturdy stalks at full bloom, cutting them close to the base. Place them in water near a window, where they can last for a week or more, but avoid refrigeration. Regularly cutting flowers and deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering.
Fun Facts: The well-known healing herb echinacea comes from the purple coneflower. Used extensively by Native Americans as a pain reliever and treatment for wounds, this time-honored remedy is now backed by modern medical research. Studies highlight echinacea’s benefits in treating colds, fighting infections, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation and improving skin health. The most common form is its extract, but a potent echinacea tea can be made from the petals and roots.
