Beautiful short lived perennial. May have to treat as an annual in FL. Pollinators adore flowers while mammals and birds consume the seeds.
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the eastern purple coneflower, purple coneflower, or hedgehog coneflower, is a beautiful and versatile flowering plant native to North America.
Origin: Central and eastern North America
Florida Native: Yes
Size at Maturity: Grows to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) tall with a spread of up to 2 feet (0.6 meters).
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Season: Blooms throughout summer and into autumn, from June to September. Some varieties may rebloom if deadheaded.
Flower Color: Usually pinkish-purple, but some cultivars offer variations like white or variegated petals. The flowers have a central, cone-shaped disc surrounded by drooping petals (ray florets).
Leaf Shape: Alternate, lanceolate to ovate leaves with serrated edges.
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Texture: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.
Soil pH: Adaptable to a wide range of soil pH levels (acidic to slightly alkaline).
Moisture Requirements: Average to moist.
- Water regularly during dry periods, especially when young.
- Once established, it's moderately drought tolerant.
Salt Spray Tolerance: No
Recommended Landscape Uses:
* Borders
* Butterfly gardens
* Wildflower gardens
* Meadows
* Pollinator gardens
Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance.
* Water regularly during dry periods, especially during the first growing season.
* Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms throughout the season (optional).
* Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding (optional).
* Apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly in early spring if needed.
Considerations:
* Generally pest and disease resistant.
* May require staking for support in windy locations, especially taller varieties.
Wildlife Benefits:
* Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. A valuable food source for butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Toxicity: While some consider parts of the Echinacea purpurea plant to have medicinal properties, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for any medicinal purposes.
Additional Information:
* Echinacea purpurea is a popular choice for gardens due to its long bloom season, low maintenance requirements, and ability to attract pollinators.
