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Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Flower

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a robust native perennial wildflower whose large daisy flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps in abundance. It is long-lived, drought-tolerant, and provides rich seed heads for birds in winter.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Low

Soil

Well-draining loam; pH 6.0–7.0; tolerates poor soil

Spacing

18–24 inches

Days to Maturity

Perennial; blooms from year 2; most prolific in years 3–5

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–9

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

No known antagonists

When to Plant

  • Transplant

    Spring or autumn

  • Direct Sow

    Autumn (cold stratification needed for spring germination)

  • Harvest

    Leave seed heads for birds; divide clumps every 3–4 years

Organic Growing Tips

  • Leave seed heads standing through winter as an important food source for goldfinches and other small birds.

  • Divide congested clumps in spring every 3–4 years to reinvigorate flowering and spread the planting.

  • Avoid rich, wet soil — echinacea is native to prairies and thrives in conditions that stress more delicate plants.

  • Plant in drifts with yarrow and black-eyed Susan for a low-maintenance, high-impact beneficial insect garden.

Common Pests

  • Aster Yellows
  • Aphids
  • Slugs

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.