Purple Coneflower: Care, Size & Growing Zones
About Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflowers are highly-prized by gardeners for their wealth of care-free, pinkish-purple, daisy-like flowers, which are magnets to many beneficial pollinators. Native to the eastern regions of the United States, this plant is perennial throughout USDA Zones 3-8. The Purple Coneflower plant is capable of reaching a mature height of 3-4 feet tall and spread of 1-2 feet wide. This native plant is often spotted growing freely in meadows or wildflower gardens and looks its best in mass plantings. In addition to its reliable performance in sunny garden beds or borders, the Purple Coneflower has long been brewed in herbal teas and valued as a health food supplement due to its natural ability to boost the immune system.Propagation & Planting
Purple Coneflowers perform best when planted in average to poor, well-drained soil, but the addition of compost at the time of planting is beneficial. The plant requires at least 6 hours of full sun, but may appreciate some late afternoon shade. Seed may be collected from the bristly brown flower centers for propagation elsewhere, but the Purple Coneflower profusely re-seeds itself. Root cuttings may be taken in late fall, and the plant may also be propagated by root division every few years.
Plant Care
Purple Coneflowers perform best in dry summers with little to no supplemental irrigation. Excellent soil drainage is a must, and the plant requires 6 or more hours of full sun daily. No staking is necessary.
Fertilize
Other than the addition of organic matter at the time of planting, the Purple Coneflower plant requires no fertilization.
Prune
Regular deadheading will contribute to a more attractive appearance and encourage fresh flowers to form on the plant. If cut back to about a third of its height in late summer, the Purple Coneflower plant will re-grow quickly with renewed energy.
Pests & Disease
If over-watered, Purple Coneflower will likely develop fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew, Stem Rot, or Aster Yellows Disease. Care should be taken to ensure the plant has adequate air circulation and minimal supplemental irrigation. Aphids, whiteflies, or Eriophyid mites occasionally arrive and may be treated with an insecticidal soap spray, according to the product label directions. Japanese Beetles may be treated with an application of neem oil, or may be hand-picked from the plant.
Attracts
Resistances
Tolerances
Purple Coneflower FAQs
How much sun and water does Purple Coneflower need?
Purple Coneflower grows best in full sun (6+ hours) and tolerates part sun. It needs little water once established and adapts to most soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 3A to 8B.
Should I deadhead or cut back Purple Coneflower?
Regular deadheading keeps the plant tidy and encourages new flowers. Cutting the plant back by about a third in late summer lets it regrow quickly with renewed energy.
Does Purple Coneflower need fertilizer?
No. Other than organic matter added at planting time, Purple Coneflower needs no fertilizer.
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