Purple Coneflower

Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Approximate number of seeds per kilogram (pound) : 257,400 (117,000)

Sun: preferably full sun, but will tolerate partial shade

Water: keep soil moderately moist during germination, do not overwater.  Once established, the coneflower is drought tolerant.

Soil: cover with 1/8 inch of soil, use rich, well-drained soil

Temperature: 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit)

Spacing: 12 pounds per acre for a meadow, or 18 to 24 inches

Germination Time: two to four weeks, benefits from stratification prior to sowing

The purple coneflower is a popular and beautiful wildflower.  Purple coneflowers make an excellent plant for bordering areas or as a native wildflower meadow and are perennials.  They're also an excellent addition to a butterfly garden as butterflies love them.  Coneflowers have a long bloom period, make excellent cut flowers and can last almost a week in flower arrangements.  They typically begin blooming in May in most of the warmer hardiness zones.  Extracts from the coneflower leaves and roots are known for their ability to stimulate the immune system.  A white coneflower variety of Echinacea purpurea is available.