Reliable and bright; Echinacea purpurea appreciates a situation in full sun. Coming from the prairies of eastern North America it thrives in well drained dry soil. An herbaceous perennial, once established it soon bulks up to form a spectacular group planting attracting a multitude of pollinating insects.

Rosy purple ray florets surround the cone shaped floral parts which develop in a spiral form exuding a very slight scent. The reflexed green calyx beneath provides the ideal shelter for earwigs.

The whole plant reaches 1.6m in height on a vigorous matted fibrous root network anchoring it into the soil. Many cultivars have been selected out, named and introduced to the nursery trade due to the variable flower colour.

Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea