This coneflower is an herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that is native to central and eastern USA. It may grow 3 to 4 feet tall and produce pinkish-purple flowers that mature in early summer through mid-fall. Many cultivars are available for varied sizes and colors. Several pollinators are attracted to the flower, especially butterflies. Leave some of the flower heads on to produce seeds for the birds. This plant prefers well-drained, moist loams but is adaptable to various soil types. Growing in fertile soil may cause the plant to become leggy. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow in full sun to partial shade. Leaving the seed heads intact through the winter months will provide seed for the winter bird population as well as adding to your winter garden. Deadheading will promote additional blooming. This is a popular and long-blooming plant for use in the native garden, meadows, pollinator gardens and naturalized areas. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Japanese beetle and leaf spot are occasional problems. It is susceptible to aster yellows disease.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheEchinacea purpurea 'Cheyenne Spirit'Viola pedatax Heucherella
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Rounded
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate; Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Long-lasting
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
The leaves are typically alternate, however, can be opposite. As they ascend the stem, they become smaller and stalkless. They can be smooth to lightly hairy.
Flower color
Orange; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Head; Solitary
Flower shape
Dome
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The 3" orange/red flowers have a chocolate brown center. The petals are wide, drooping and overlapping.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
This plant is multi-branched with numerous flowering stems. The green-brown stems are upright and sturdy.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
United States
Distribution
Central and eastern US
Wildlife value
Birds, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.