Echinacea purpurea

syn. Rudbeckia purpurea

E. purpurea is native to the southern and midwestern portions of the US where it can be found growing in open woodlands and prairies. It has stout stems and dark green leaves that very closely resemble those of Rudbeckia (black-eyed susans). Large orange brown cone-shaped centers are surrounded by bright pink petals.

Easy to grow in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.

Graham Stuart Thomas recommends planting with pink sidalceas.

Zones: 3 to 8

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 24 to 60 in.

Spread: 18 to 24 in.

Exposure: Full sun

Soil Conditions: well-drained, average

Bloom Time: July to September

Bloom Color: Purple-rose

Native Range: Southeastern and Midwestern distribution from Ohio und Michigan south to Georgia, west to Oklahoma and northeast Texas

Image Credits:

• Jmeeter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons