Echinacea purpurea – Vibrant, Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a popular perennial renowned for its large, daisy-like flowers with bright pink-purple petals and a distinctive orange-brown central cone. Blooming from mid-summer to early autumn (July to September), it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a superb choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Best positioned in full sun, Echinacea thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions once established. It’s ideal for borders, meadows, and cottage-style gardens where its upright habit adds colour and structure.

Care tips: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. After that, it is drought tolerant and easy to maintain. Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser or well-rotted compost to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Prune by deadheading spent flowers to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the stems to ground level to encourage fresh growth for the new season.

Echinacea purpurea is a low-maintenance, long-flowering plant that adds vibrant colour and supports beneficial wildlife in any UK garden.