
Echinacea purpurea
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
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.
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
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.

Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.

Shares 6 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Purple Coneflower is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-4 feet × 1-2 feet.
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.