Plant profile
Botanical names: Echinacea purpurea
German names: Purple coneflower
Family: Asteraceae
Flowering time: July to September
Flowers: Purple-red, yellow, orange or white
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth habit: Perennial, up to 100cm high
Origin: North America
Details of Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea is a deciduous perennial that reveals its numerous flowers from July to September. The slender, upright stems are crowned with a lush flower head with a conical center that curves upwards. Due to the spiky dark red texture of the capitula, the purple coneflower is also known as "hedgehog's head". The botanical name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word "echinos", which also means "hedgehog". It is a real feast for the eyes thanks to its juicy coloration in a wide variety of shades. The pretty flower heads of Echinacea purpurea are particularly attractive to nectar-seeking butterflies and bees.
Purple coneflower is also known as an antiseptic medicinal plant and is used in many cold remedies. It was already used by the indigenous people of North America to treat inflammation.
It prefers a sunny location with a nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. This magnificent perennial can also cope with semi-shady spots, but will then develop fewer flowers. Withered flowers must be removed regularly. Pruning the purple coneflower immediately after flowering prolongs its lifespan. As soon as it has settled into its location, it is easy to care for. If the perennial no longer sprouts vigorously, it can be divided. To do this, the rootstock is dug up and sections can be replanted. This should be done every four to five years in spring.
Use of the purple coneflower in design
Echinacea purpurea looks particularly impressive when planted in large numbers. Different varieties of the perennial can also provide a highlight. This allows you to create great accents in individual areas of the garden or patio. The targeted planting of Echinacea purpurea automatically draws the eye in this direction, creating new visual relationships.
However, our plant of the month also comes into its own in sunny borders in combination with simple ornamental grasses, Chinese reeds or lavender. Its coloring makes it stand out from the crowd and creates colorful accents. Overall, the purple coneflower is a versatile and attractive plant that offers added value both aesthetically and ecologically. Its beauty rounds off any flower bed.
Other varieties of coneflower
