Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beloved North American native prairie perennial bearing large, daisy-like flowers with reflexed purple-pink petals surrounding a prominent, spiky orange-brown cone. Native to the central and eastern United States, it is a magnet for butterflies, bees, and seed-eating birds. A cornerstone plant for pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalistic borders. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White, Pink, Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun for best flowering; tolerates part shade but bloom quantity decreases. In NE Florida's intense summer heat, afternoon shade can help prolong bloom and reduce plant stress.
Drought-tolerant once established in NE Florida's sandy soils; water during prolonged dry spells. Well-drained soil is essential — Purple Coneflower is prone to crown rot in consistently wet conditions. Avoid overhead irrigation to minimize fungal issues.
Grows well in NE Florida's sandy, well-drained soils with modest organic matter. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. A light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient; top-dress with compost to improve soil tilth over time.
Similar needs
Blue Mistflower
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cat Whiskers
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Foxglove
Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Caladium
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Camellia
Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Cuphea
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Purple Coneflower a good plant for St. Augustine?
Purple Coneflower is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-4 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.