Photo ©
Sally & Andy Wasowski
The Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial herb that grows to be 0.5-2 feet tall. It produces very distinctive flowers with reddish-purple petals that can also be pink or white in rare instances; they bloom from June to August. The flower has a “cone” in the center of the flower, which is why it’s called a Coneflower! The Coneflower attracts insects and butterflies when in bloom, as well as song birds, and in particular, Goldfinches, who love the Coneflower seeds during the fall. This plant is also known for having great medical properties for both animals and people. It was and is still used as a painkiller and to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, and snake bites, among other things.
The Coneflower prefers plenty of sun but has very low tolerance for drought conditions and water logging. However, there are many soil textures it will grow in. The optimal soil pH for the Eastern Purple Coneflower is between 6.5 and 7.2. The Coneflower is cold and heat resistant, easy to grow, and gives high yields, making it ideal for container gardening.
Instructions
- Coneflower seeds can be planted in the springtime and should be sown in weed-free soil at a depth of ¼ of an inch.
- Place container in full sun.
- This plant does not compete well with other plants, so be sure to keep the soil clear of weeds.
- Seedlings should be carefully watered. Timely watering during dry periods can really help increase the size of your plant!
If you would like to learn more about the Eastern Purple Coneflower, click here or here.