Echinacea 'Purple Coneflower'

Purple Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Echinacea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a hardy and versatile perennial cherished for its large, daisy-like blooms featuring soft purple petals surrounding striking orange-bronze centres. Upright, vigorous plants bloom prolifically from summer into early fall, creating a long-lasting display that enriches borders, prairie-style plantings, and pollinator-friendly gardens. Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are irresistibly drawn to these classic coneflowers, making them both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

Unlike other Echinacea species with deep taproots, E. purpurea develops fibrous roots, easing harvesting for traditional herbal uses after several years of growth. Drought-tolerant once established and adaptable to a variety of soils, Purple Echinacea combines effortless charm, resilience, and a timeless cottage-garden aesthetic. Also known as Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, or Snakeroot, this beloved perennial brings bold colour, structure, and wildlife-friendly appeal to any garden.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

SITE: Full Sun

TYPE: Perennial

DEPTH: 1/8"

GERMINATION: 10-15 days at 18-21C

MATURITY: 300-365 Days

HEIGHT: 24 - 36"

SPACING: 18 - 24"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:
Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before you plan to move them outdoors. Germination can be slow, typically taking 30–40 days after sowing. Once the first true leaves appear, transplant into cell packs or larger containers. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting them outside in late spring or early summer.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring when the soil has warmed to at least 18∘C. Sow in groups of 3–4 seeds, ⅛" deep, then thin to the strongest seedling. Alternatively, sow in the fall—natural rainfall and fluctuating temperatures help break dormancy and encourage strong germination the following spring.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for Echinacea. However, deadheading spent flowers throughout the season will encourage more blooms.

Soil Preference and Watering: Echinacea thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is a very drought-tolerant plant once established and will not tolerate soggy roots.

Fertilizing: Echinacea is not a heavy feeder. Fertilizing is generally not required. Amending the soil with compost at the time of planting is usually sufficient.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers are fully open and the petals are firm. For seed harvest, wait until the cone is mature and has turned a darker color, and the seeds are firm.