Echinacea pallida
pale purple coneflower
A perennial species, about 1.2m tall, with hairy linear mid-green leaves. Distinctive pale pink flowers with long and linear ray petals, reflexed to droop down, surround a central orange-brown cone and appear from midsummer to early autumn. A great choice for prairie planting
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Echinacea are erect, clump-forming rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and solitary, long-stalked daisies with prominent conical central disks and often drooping ray florets; attractive to butterflies
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, humus-rich soil ideally in full sun with protection from excessive winter wet. See echinacea cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13°C in spring. Propagate by division in spring or autumn although they resent disturbance. Propagate by root cuttings from late autumn to early winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Gravel garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cutting back stems as the blooms fade may encourage further flowering; or seedheads may be kept on the plant for winter interest
Pests
Generally pest-free but young growth may be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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