Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are one of our best-loved native perennial flowers. It is a prairie plant, native to the eastern and central United States, and makes the classic summer garden statement with its daisy-like blooms. Coneflowers light up sunny flower beds in midsummer through early fall, and they mix well with flowers and grasses alike. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5–8. It is also an excellent cut flower.
The steadfast coneflower is striking when planted in a large group. After the flowers fade, the domed seed heads stand erect through the winter, attracting chickadees and goldfinches. In early spring, cut the flower stalks back. They need a sunny location and well-drained soil. There’s no need to apply too much fertilizer. After about four years, dig up and divide the roots to keep plants vigorous. This is a great way to make new plants.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is the best known of the coneflowers. It has slightly drooping pink-purple petals surrounding a prickly copper-orange central cone. It is tough, and heat and drought tolerant once established. A popular variety of this native coneflower is the bold ‘Magnus,’ which is hardy to USDA zone 4. It has magenta-rose flowers with petals that do not droop. Others to try include the All-America Selections (AAS) winner, PowWow® ‘Wild Berry’ coneflower, and the Pixie Meadowbrite coneflower. The latter grows only 8 to 20 inches tall. This smaller version of purple coneflower is suited to small spaces and an all-native landscape.
Piet Oudolf, the Dutch plantsman, uses coneflowers in his famed flower gardens. One of the selections he plants is the ‘Fatal Attraction’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’). It is a compact coneflower that blooms a little later than others. It has large, purple-pink flowers. Each flower has an orange-tinged purple cone surrounded by long, pointed petals and sits atop a dark red stem. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3–8. Another coneflower that Oudolf plants is the ‘Vintage Wine’ (Echinacea purpurea ‘Vintage Wine’), which was found in his garden in Holland. It looks great with Russian sage and liatris!
‘Cheyenne Spirit’ coneflower (Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’) is a great cultivar of our native coneflower. This hybrid perennial won the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) award. It is grown from seed and boasts rich shades of cream, golden yellow, orange, magenta, and tomato-red. Each plant blooms one color, so plant in groups for a riotous display. ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ plants are sturdy and bloom in mid- to late summer on 18- to 24-inch-tall plants. Full sun. Zones 4–9.
‘Double Scoop Bubble Gum’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Double Scoop Bubble Gum’) has deep pink central cushions of short petals that are surrounded by lighter pink petals. The name describes the color of the 4-inch flowers perfectly! This upright plant has sturdy stems—no staking required. Plant ‘Double Scoop Bubble Gum’ with the white pompon flowers of the Pearl (Achillea ptarmica Pearl) yarrow, as shown. Try ‘Peter Cottontail’ yarrow for this pairing. It also looks great with Shasta daisies, blue salvias, and other ‘Double Scoop’ colors—Cranberry, Orangeberry, and Raspberry coneflowers. Blooms early to late summer. Zones 4–9.
‘Mellow Yellows’ coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Mellow Yellow’) produces lovely, long-lasting blooms that range from palest cream to soft canary yellow. The flowers have darker cones, making them a standout. Pollinators love it. Grows to 32 inches high. Zones 4–8.
‘Gateway’ joe-pye weed (Eutrochium purp. maculatum ‘Gateway’) is a robust, 6-feet-tall plant that does not need staking. Its large, deep pink flowers appear from July–September on wine-red stems. The showy flowers are a magnet for butterflies! It is best planted in full sun and rich, moist soils. Try the smaller joe-pye weed cultivars in tight or contained landscapes. Zones 4–8.
Joe-pye weed flowers are eye-catching as they form in the midsummer. To keep these native plants bushy and with a shorter habit, cut them back in late spring before flowers form. It is a good background plant and combines well with tall native grasses and native flowers like black-eyed Susan, oxeye sunflower, ironweed, and Venusta queen of the prairie.