The name is a bit of a misnomer, since not every echinacea will have purple flowers. The most commonly grown variety of this sturdy plant are the purple coneflowers, also known by their botanical name echinacea purpurea. Some of the dwarf varieties will grow to only about a foot and a half. Most purple coneflowers will grow to 2-4 feet tall and about 18-24 inches wide. The size of the plant and depends of the type that you grow, as well as your growing conditions. They can really take temperatures that would make other plants shrivel and die!Ĭoneflowers are perennials which means that, once established, the plant will return year after year.
The coneflower plant is drought tolerant and is a great perennial if you live in an area that has high heat. The plant blooms in the middle of the summer, but the dried flowers also have fall and winter interest for birds long after the bloom time. The center of the plant is where the seeds of the plant lie and it is very attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. They sit on tall stems and have a raised center area surrounded by petals. If you are looking for a plant that will draw butterflies and birds to your garden, the perennial coneflower us a great choice.Įchinacea flowers are attractive and rugged. The purple coneflower is native to the South Eastern United States.