(AKA Brauneria purpurea, Purple Cone Flower, Purple Coneflower, Hedge Coneflower, Black Sampson)

The Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' coneflower is an easy to grow flower that produces dazzling and vibrant rose pink/purple daisy-like flowers above neat clumps of foliage from early summer into early autumn. The enormous blooms (up to 6" across) are lightly fragrant and larger than most other Echinaceas (and the petals droop less).

Perennial Plant of the Year in 1998, Magnus is moderately tolerant of salt and by far one of the best perennials on the market today. Mature height 24-36" and a spread of 18-24", spacing 15-20".

General information about Echinacea:
Echinacea plants are long-lived perennials. They are easy to grow, a prolific bloomer, the foliage is attractive, and the form of the flowers is unique and beautiful.

Echinacea is known for its large flower heads that turn to seed in the fall. A great choice for cut flowers, dried arrangements, beds and borders, and naturalizing. They are one of the finest border plants. Coarse deep green 8" leaves are serrated and act as a pleasing foil for smaller plants. Long lasting as a cut flower, it is attractive to butterflies. Flowers abound in early summer, then continue until frost.

The flower heads have rays (petals) and greenish-changing-to-orangey-brown centers. At maturity, the rays angle downward and the center assumes a distinct cone shape. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are tolerant of poor soil, heat, humidity and drought. Deer tend to avoid.

They spread rapidly in southern zones and moderately fast in northern zones. Echinacea prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Southern heat and humidity does not bother it a bit and the blooms last a long time on the plant or in a vase.

Deadheading will prevent seeding and prolong flowering, but this is one of the plants that produce seeds that birds go crazy for and the seedheads are attractive in the winter, especially in the snow. If removing them, leave the foliage at the base of the plant to overwinter.

Not only is it a prized perennial for many gardeners, but also a potent medicine. It has been reported that ingestion of Echinacea increases immune function, reduces the effects of colds and flus, fights off viral, bacterial and fungal infections, purifies the blood and flushes waste from the lymphatic system.

USDA: Echinacea purpurea: Characteristics - Fact Sheet - Plant Guide

Full sun Part sun

Zones: 2-10