Purple Coneflower is undoubtedly one of the most popular and most frequently sold native plants. Many cultivars exist and can be found at big box stores, but it is best to purchase the straight species from a native plant nursery to ensure the plants are pesticide-free and will provide the most support to pollinators. Purple Coneflower is drought-, heat-, humidity-, and deer-resistant and even has some tolerance to salt. It’s extremely easy to grow from seed and is a profuse bloomer, making it a great plant for beginners.

Care requirements:

Light requirements: Full Sun-Part Shade

Water requirements: Low-Medium

Soil requirements: Dry

Bloom time: June-August

Bloom color: Pink, purple

Height: 2-5 feet

Width: 1.5-2 feet

USDA Zone: 3-9

Larval Host: Silvery Checkerspot butterfly, Wavy-lined Emerald moth

Other notes: The flowers can be used to make herbal tea and also make good cut flowers for arrangements. It can be an extremely aggressive spreader. It is drought resistant but may wilt if the soil becomes too dry in strong sunlight; it is also heat and humidity resistant. Best flowering is in full sun and best growth is in fertile loam. Gold finches are especially fond of the seeds.

Emily’s notes: While Purple Coneflower is considered a summer blooming flower, the ones in my garden have started blooming as early as late March after very warm winters. The basal foliage can also be evergreen in warm winters. Early deadheading can help improve the chances of a second bloom in the fall, but leave some dried seed heads for birds.

Do you have Purple Coneflower growing in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it you would like to share? Do you know of any Southeastern nurseries that regularly stock it? Let us know in the comments!