How big does Purple coneflower grow?

About 1.2 m × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.8–1.2 m × 40–60 cm.

What soil does Purple coneflower grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Purple coneflower hardy?

Hardy down to -35 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Purple coneflower flower?

Flowering: July–September, pink, purple.

How much water does Purple coneflower need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Purple coneflower cost?

It sells for roughly €4.40 to €14 in local shops, depending on size.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial that reaches 1.2 m × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -35 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.40.

Illustration of Purple coneflower — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Plant it in a sunny perennial border, preferably in a small group, for pink-purple summer flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Established plants tolerate dry spells, but water during prolonged drought and avoid waterlogged soil. Leave the seed heads standing for winter texture, then cut back in spring.

Watch out for

Persistently wet, poorly aerated soil can damage the roots and crown, so avoid standing water, especially in winter. Seedlings may appear in the border. Published hardiness ratings differ substantially: some sources indicate survival in very cold winters, while others rate it only to around -15 °C.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -35 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, pink, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.8–1.2 m × 40–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -35 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, pink, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.40

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
25-30 cm	approx. €5.10
40-50 cm	approx. €13
size not stated	approx. €4.40 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for clay soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

Compare with similar plants

Purple coneflower vs Hybrid coneflower

Looks good next to it

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Oregon grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Irish moss

Sagina subulata