Echinacea translates from the Greek as "hedge hog", referring to its prickly receptacle scales. Purple Coneflower is a native North American perennial that was once common in meadows and prairies.
Plant in sun to partially shady sites, zones 3 to 8. Morning sun and afternoon shade yield the best looking flowers.
With upright clump growth habit of the daisy family, Echinacea performs best in evenly moist, well-drained soils. Use in mass or group plantings, borders, entrance ways, back of the perennial bed, and naturalized areas or woodland edge. Enjoy them as cut flowers or leave them for the birds.