pink flowers with orange-brown center, lime stems and green leaves

purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Doubledecker'

Also Known As - echinacea,purple coneflower,purple coneflower

The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Doubledecker') is an amazing flower to add to any garden. Its unique double petals and bright purple petals are an attention grabber for any garden, and the drooping dark centers are absolutely stunning. The stems are strong and can easily support the weight of the flowers. It loves full sun and tolerates varying soil conditions. This species is quite drought tolerant and low maintenance making it ideal for beginners. It is also favored by butterflies and bees, it is great for wildlife gardens. The double blooms of the Purple Coneflower last well into the fall making it a great addition to your garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Purplish pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your Purple Coneflower when the top 1" to 2" of soil is dry. During the spring and summer, keep the soil moist but not soggy; during the cooler winter months, water less frequently but still try to keep the ground moist. It is best to water in the morning so the soil has plenty of time to dry before night. Depending on the outdoor conditions, your plant may require more or less frequent watering, but as a general rule, use 1½ to 2 gallons of water per week during the growing season. If your Purple Coneflower is in a container, increase the water amount slightly to maintain soil moisture. Always check that the area is draining properly so the roots don’t become waterlogged.

sunlight

The purple coneflower prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) and will thrive with consistently warm weather. In average temperature climates, this perennial typically requires about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In cooler regions, purple coneflower may need 10+ hours of direct sunlight to truly thrive. The plant's light requirements may fluctuate depending on the season as well; in the summertime, more direct sunlight is necessary. In the winter, purple coneflower may need less sunlight, so it is best to place the plant in a location where it will receive adequate amounts of indirect light (at least 4 hours of sunlight a day).

pruning

Purple coneflower should be pruned in the early spring when new growth is first visible. Pruning should involve removing the spent flower heads and removing damaged or dead stems. This will help keep the plant tidy and promote new growth. Pruning the plant lightly will also encourage bushier growth and increase the number of flowers it produces. Pruning should be done lightly each year, no more than 1-third of the total plant should be removed at a time.