No garden should be without a few coneflowers. They're long bloomers, relatively easy maintenance, butterflies love them and the birds will feast on their seeds in the winter. Plus, there are so many wonderful new varieties coming out. Coneflowers are almost always called Purple Coneflowers, even though they now come in white, yellow, orange, pink and red and the purple Purple Coneflowers are more of a magenta. What they all have in common is a rugged growth habit that lets them withstand poor soil and drought conditions. However, rich garden soil, full sun and regular water will reward you with healthier plants and more blooms.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) 'Vintage Wine' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 36" - 30", Magenat Blooms: July - Sept.)
Alternatives
- Echinacea 'Twilight' (USDA Zones 4 - 8 30" x 18", Rose Blooms: July - Aug.)
- Monarda x 'Violet Queen' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 36" x 18", Magenta Blooms: July - Aug.)