Purple coneflower - Echinacea purpurea (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Purple coneflower

Also known as: Hedgehog coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an herb native to North America that flourishes in prairie environments or open wooded areas. The purple coneflower makes a good addition to a flower bed or garden because its blooms last the whole summer and attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

Scientific classification

Species

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

7 cm to 15 cm

Flower Size

Black, White

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, White, Brown, Red, Orange, Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Purple, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Purple coneflower

Attributes of Purple coneflower

Growth Rate

Exhibiting a moderate growth speed, purple coneflower invests its energy during spring and summer, with spring being the period of renewed vigor. This speed results in consistent increase in height and foliage expansion, allowing for ample leaf production. It culminates in summer, marked by its charming magenta flowers. Despite the fair speed, it surprisingly reaches about 1.2 meters by the end of its active season. This growth pattern translates into a robust plant that is inherently attuned to surviving variations in climate, reflecting its prairie origins.

Distribution of Purple coneflower

Distribution Map

Purple coneflower originates from the open woods and grasslands of southeastern United States. It has been introduced as a garden ornamental across a large portion of Europe, Central and Southeast Asia, and South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry open woods, prairies, barrens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The purple coneflower is typically used in plant, woodland, and wildflower gardens. Gardeners prize its long-blooming nature and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies to gardens. The purple coneflower is prized for its adaptability to less than desirable environments such as heat, poor soil, and drought. It is especially popular when planted in mass with Black-Eyed Susans in wildflower or woodland gardens.

Symbolism

Strength, health

Name Story

Purple coneflower: Its genus name, Echinacea, means "spiny", because its flowers are especially like a prickly sea urchin, which also has the same genus name. Some people think its flowers resemble petals around pinecones, and so this genus is called the coneflower. Since this species has purple petals around the cones, it is called the purple coneflower.

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Quickly Identify Purple coneflower

Prominent purplish-brown central disc with lavender ray petals in a daisy-like arrangement.

Coarse, scabrous leaves with serrate edges, dark green color, and ovate-lanceolate shape.

Stem is light green with purple streaks, white hairs, slightly rough texture, and moderate thickness.

Distinct hairy stem with fine hairs, upright growth, and occasional branching near floral arrangements.

Small, dry, dark achenes with 4-sided shape nestled in a prominent central cone.

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Care Guide for Purple coneflower

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Purple coneflower is a North American prairie plant adapted to occasional droughts, preferring moderate moisture. It needs weekly watering for balance and enters dormancy in winter, reducing water needs significantly.

Fertilize: Purple coneflower thrives with balanced fertilizers in spring and high phosphorus before flowering. Apply quarterly, reducing in late summer. Use compost for gentler nutrition, and adjust feeding based on growth stage. Water after application to enhance absorption and prevent root burn, ensuring vibrant health and display.

Pruning: Purple coneflower features attractive blooms and medicinal benefits. Prune in early to late spring by trimming dead stems and spent flowers to foster new growth and continuous blooming. Maintain size and shape while using clean tools to avoid disease. Consult horticultural guides for techniques.

Propagation: Purple coneflower is a hardy perennial that thrives in diverse garden environments. It can be easily propagated by dividing the root ball into smaller clumps with roots and shoots, then replanting at the same depth. This method promotes faster growth and preserves original genetic traits.

Repotting: Repot purple coneflower every 2-3 years in spring to enhance growth. Choose a pot one size larger for its deep roots, using well-draining soil and moderate watering post-repotting. With regular care and occasional trimming, purple coneflower remains low-maintenance and thrives effectively.

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Images of Purple coneflower

Attributes of Purple coneflower

Distribution of Purple coneflower

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Purple coneflower

Care Guide for Purple coneflower

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