Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Treatment: Non-Treated

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beloved perennial native to North America, celebrated for its striking beauty and medicinal properties. This hardy plant boasts vibrant, daisy-like flowers with distinctive raised centers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden.

Features:

• Stunning purple petals surrounding a spiky orange-brown cone
• Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing long-lasting color
• Drought-tolerant once established, ideal for low-maintenance gardens
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil
• Adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soil

Planting Instructions:

1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
2. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed in spring or early fall.
3. Scatter seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil, as they require light for germination.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 10-21 days.
5. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they have developed several sets of true leaves.
6. Water young plants regularly until established, then water deeply during dry spells.
7. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Maintenance:

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
• Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if soil nutrients are deficient.
• Watch for signs of powdery mildew, and provide good air circulation to prevent disease.

Uses:

• Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, to your garden.
• Provides a colorful backdrop in borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized landscapes.
• Cut flowers are long-lasting in bouquets and dried arrangements.
• Traditional medicinal plant used for immune support and herbal remedies.

Enjoy the beauty and resilience of Purple Coneflower in your garden for years to come!