Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

By / May 27, 2025
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

  • Common Name: Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower

  • Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea

  • Family: Asteraceae

  • Origin: Native to eastern and central North America, including the Ozarks, Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley

  • Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9

  • Light Requirements: Full sun; tolerates light shade

  • Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

  • Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained loamy soil; adaptable to various soil types and pH levels

  • "Ponics" Compatibility:

    • Aquaponics: Fairly compatible

    • Aeroponics: Fairly compatible

    • Hydroponics: Fairly compatible

    • Preferred Method: Best suited for soil-based systems; however, can be adapted to media bed systems with proper support

  • Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial; upright growth

  • Height & Spread: Height: 2–5 feet (60–150 cm); Spread: 1.5–2 feet (45–60 cm)

  • Time from Germination to Harvest: 90–120 days for flowering; roots are typically harvested in the fall of the second or third year

  • Flowering Time: Mid to late summer; blooms last several weeks

  • Edible Parts: Roots, leaves, and flowers are used medicinally; not commonly consumed as food

  • Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used to treat respiratory infections, toothaches, and snakebites; modern uses include immune support and reducing symptoms of colds and flu

  • Companion Plants: Pairs well with other native wildflowers like Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, and Butterfly Weed; attracts pollinators

  • Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests; may be susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew in humid conditions

  • Harvest Time: Roots are harvested in the fall after the plant has gone dormant; flowers can be harvested during full bloom; dry roots and flowers for storage

  • Propagation Methods: Propagated by seeds, division, or root cuttings; seeds may require stratification for better germination

  • Sustainability Features: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; provides seeds for birds; contributes to biodiversity in native plant gardens

  • Culinary Uses: Not commonly used in cooking; primarily used in teas, tinctures, and supplements for medicinal purposes

  • Fun Fact: The genus name "Echinacea" is derived from the Greek word "echinos," meaning hedgehog, referencing the spiny central disk of the flower

Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'

  • Flower Color: Deep pink with horizontal petals.

  • Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.

  • Notes: An award-winning cultivar known for its large, non-drooping petals and robust growth habit.

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

  • Flower Color: Mix of red, orange, yellow, cream, and purple.

  • Bloom Time: June to August.

  • Notes: A seed-grown hybrid offering a vibrant mix of colors on a single plant; attracts pollinators.

Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top'

  • Flower Color: Pink with upward-facing petals.

  • Bloom Time: June to August.

  • Notes: A compact cultivar of the rare Tennessee coneflower; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Echinacea 'Sombrero Poco Hot Coral'

  • Flower Color: Bright coral-orange.

  • Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer.

  • Notes: Part of the Sombrero series; known for its vivid color and compact size, making it suitable for small gardens.

Echinacea purpurea 'Pow Wow White'

  • Flower Color: Pure white.

  • Bloom Time: June to August.

  • Notes: A compact variety with prolific blooming; ideal for contrasting with brightly colored plants.

Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor Deep Rose'

  • Flower Color: Deep rose-pink.

  • Bloom Time: June to August.

  • Notes: Early blooming and compact; excellent for extended color in the garden.

Echinacea pallida

  • Flower Color: Pale pink with drooping petals.

  • Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.

  • Notes: Native species with slender petals; attracts a variety of pollinators and is drought-tolerant once established.

Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'

  • Flower Color: White petals with a greenish center.

  • Bloom Time: June to August.

  • Notes: A white-flowered cultivar of the purple coneflower; offers a serene color option for perennial borders.

Echinacea 'Green Jewel'

  • Flower Color: Lime green.

  • Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.

  • Notes: Unique green petals with a central cone; adds an unusual hue to garden palettes.

Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'

  • Flower Color: Fiery orange-red, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: A double-flowered variety with vibrant color; stands out in mixed borders.

Echinacea 'Raspberry Truffle'

  • Flower Color: Pink with a double center.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Features a pom-pom center with downward petals; adds texture and interest.

Echinacea 'Razzmatazz'

  • Flower Color: Deep pink, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: July to August.

  • Notes: One of the first double-flowered coneflowers; offers a full, ruffled appearance.

Echinacea 'Ruby Giant'

  • Flower Color: Rich ruby-red.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Large blooms with intense color; attracts butterflies and bees.

Echinacea 'Avalanche'

  • Flower Color: White.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Noted for its pure white petals and strong stems; excellent for cut flowers.

Echinacea 'Double Scoop Cranberry'

  • Flower Color: Deep cranberry-red, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Offers a rich color and full flower form; adds depth to garden designs.

Echinacea 'Tomato Soup'

  • Flower Color: Bright tomato-red.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Vibrant red petals with a large central cone; a standout in any garden.

Echinacea 'Mango Meadowbrite'

  • Flower Color: Mango-orange.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Offers a tropical hue; part of the Meadowbrite series known for unique colors.

Echinacea 'Greenline'

  • Flower Color: Green.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Unusual green petals; provides a distinctive look in perennial plantings.

Echinacea 'Firebird'

  • Flower Color: Red-orange.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Bright, fiery petals; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Echinacea 'Sensation Pink'

  • Flower Color: Vibrant pink.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Noted for its vivid color and strong performance in trials.

Echinacea 'Glowing Dream'

  • Flower Color: Bright coral-pink.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Offers glowing color and robust growth; performs well in various conditions.

Echinacea 'Frankly Scarlet'

  • Flower Color: Bright scarlet-red.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Part of the Color Coded® series; known for its intense color and uniform habit.

Echinacea 'Knock 'em Red'

  • Flower Color: Deep red.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Offers bold color and strong stems; ideal for cutting gardens.

Echinacea 'One in a Melon'

  • Flower Color: Melon-orange.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Unique color adds a fresh look; part of the Color Coded® series.

Echinacea 'Orange You Awesome'

  • Flower Color: Bright orange.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Vibrant color with a compact growth habit; excellent for containers.

Echinacea 'The Fuchsia is Bright'

  • Flower Color: Bright fuchsia-pink.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Eye-catching color; attracts pollinators and adds brightness to gardens.

Echinacea 'The Price is White'

  • Flower Color: Pure white.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Clean white petals with a greenish center; part of the Color Coded® series.

Echinacea 'Yellow My Darling'

  • Flower Color: Soft yellow.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Gentle yellow hue; provides a soothing color palette.

Echinacea 'Everything's Rosy'

  • Flower Color: Rosy pink, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Part of the Double Coded® series; offers full, lush flowers.

Echinacea 'Butter Pecan'

  • Flower Color: Soft buttery-yellow, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Creamy color with a double flower form; adds elegance to plantings.

Echinacea 'Coral Cranberry'

  • Flower Color: Coral-pink, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Rich color and full petals; part of the Double Coded® series.

Echinacea 'Raspberry Beret'

  • Flower Color: Raspberry-pink, double blooms.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Deep pink color with a full flower form; attracts pollinators.

Echinacea 'Summersong Firefinch'

  • Flower Color: Fiery red-orange.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Bright color with a compact habit; suitable for small spaces.

Echinacea 'Ruby Glow'

  • Flower Color: Bright pink with orange-red center.

  • Bloom Time: Summer.

  • Notes: Vibrant color combination; adds a pop to garden beds.

Audio

Video

Back to: UpRooted Greens Daily Sprout Plant Database