A staple of the native plant pollinator garden, Purple Coneflower is a favorite of bees and butterflies. The Echinaceas can be confused easily. Purple coneflower has broader petals and yellow pollen, pale purple has thinner petals and white pollen, and glade coneflower (in southern Illinois).
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, flies, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
3 to 8
Height
2 to 4 ft.
Spread
1 to 2 ft.
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
June, July, August
Design Considerations
This plant has a long season of bloom and is great choice for a mass planting. Purple coneflower may rebloom again in the fall.
Care and Maintenance
Leave seedheads throughout the winter for a food source for birds. Divide plants when they become overcrowded.
Pest and Diseases
Japanese beetles will visit and leaf spot can be a problem.
Establishment and Propagation
Can start from untreated seed. This plant will reseed itself. Can also start from a plug or divide plants.
Commercial Availability
Commonly available
Alternative Plant Selections
Glade Coneflower, Pale Purple Coneflower
Native Status
Illinois native statewide
Fall Color
Insignificant
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial, upright
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
