Echinacea purpurea coneflowers are the easy-to-grow perennial flower everyone loves. Perfect pops of prolific purple-pink blooms flower above neat clumps of foliage from early summer into early autumn. The generous size blossoms beg butterflies and hummingbirds to drink their nectar in season and birds to eat the seed heads in fall.

We think every garden should have this long-lived, medium-height perennial that works so well in cut and dried flower arrangements because it will put up with poor soil, heat, humidity and even drought. Deer tend to avoid Echinacea, making it an excellent option for naturalizing. We've seen it in every application possible from beds to borders to mass plantings on hillsides.

However you choose to use it, you won't be disappointed with this timeless beauty.

Customize

Specifications

General information about Echinacea: Like a well-aged Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, Echinacea are long-standing perennial plants whose faithful bloom will be a welcome sight every year by both humans and butterflies who are highly attracted to the flowers. Indeed, they are prolific bloomers with attractive foliage and unmistakable, beautifully formed flowers. Echinacea are known for large flower heads that in fall turn to seed that birds love. If you have a cut flower garden, without question, you will want some because they are lovely and long-lasting in bouquets as well as dramatic in dried flower arrangements. As for naturalizing, you can’t ask for more from a plant. And when it comes to borders, Echinacea are frequently chosen for their ability to draw a visual dividing line between one area and another without the use of hard-scape materials. Their coarse, deep green 8-inch leaves are serrated and act as a pleasing foil for smaller plants. Flowers abound in early summer and then continue until frost. The flower heads have rays and greenish centers that change to an orange/brown over the season. At maturity, the rays angle downward and the center assumes a distinctive cone shape (thus their nickname, Coneflower). Coneflowers are tolerant of poor soil, heat, humidity and drought; in addition, deer tend to avoid them. If you are planting in southern zones, you’ll quickly be rewarded by their rapid spread while those who plant in northern zones will still appreciate a moderately fast spreading rate. Echinacea prefers well-drained soil in full sun so southern heat and humidity aren't bothersome and blooms last a long time both on the plant and in a vase. Things to Note You’ll want to keep in mind that deadheading will prolong flowering and prevent seeding. At the same time, should you have the room to allow the flowers the opportunity of going to seed, you will be rewarded by birds going crazy for Echinacea seeds as well as enjoying the beauty of the seed heads throughout the winter (especially in snow). Remember, if you do choose to remove them, leave foliage at the plants' base to overwinter. Interesting Facts Not only is Echinacea a prized perennial for many gardeners, but it is also a potent medicine. Reports state that ingestion of this plant increases immune function, reduces the effects of colds and flues, fights off viral, bacterial and fungal infections, purifies the blood, and flushes waste from the lymphatic system. Echinacea gets her name from the Greek word, "echinos" meaning hedgehog. Because of the spiky, hair-like foliage at the base of the plant, Echinacea garnered this nickname.

Care

Shipping