Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a long-lived clump-forming perennial renowned for its daisy-like blooms of rose-purple petals surrounding a prominent orange-brown centre cone. Blooming from mid-summer into early autumn, it adds vibrant colour and architectural interest to borders, meadows and pollinator gardens. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant. Hardy in Canadian zones 3–8, it also makes an excellent cut flower and has traditional medicinal uses.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea
• Common name: Purple Coneflower
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 3–8
• Exposure: Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; tolerates drought once established
• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)
• Width: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Foliage: Upright, lanceolate green leaves
• Flower colour: Rose-purple rays with orange-brown center cone
• Bloom time: Mid-summer to early autumn (July–September)
• Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering; divide every 3–4 years
• Advantages: Long bloom period; attracts bees and butterflies; deer-resistant; excellent for cutting and herbal remedies