Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
A perennial herb featuring coarse, ovate to lanceolate green leaves, upright stems, and characteristic daisy-like flowers with prominent central cones.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day
- Water
- Moderate drought tolerance once established; water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, avoiding waterlogged conditions
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial forming upright clumps, growing to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, exhibiting a moderate growth rate
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Water deeply during dry spells once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if soil nutrient levels are low.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day
Watering
Moderate drought tolerance once established; water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, avoiding waterlogged conditions
Soil
Prefers well-draining loamy or sandy soils with a neutral pH range between 6.0 and 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial forming upright clumps, growing to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, exhibiting a moderate growth rate
Bloom season
Blooms from mid-summer through late summer, featuring purple, pink, or white ray florets surrounding a prominent dark brown central cone
Propagation
Propagated easily by seed sown in spring, root cuttings, or division of established clumps in early spring or autumn
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot in poorly draining soils, as well as pests like aphids and Japanese beetles; prevent by ensuring adequate air circulation and proper spacing
Similar species
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), which can be distinguished by its yellow ray petals and different foliage texture