Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'The King'
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea 'The King' commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a striking perennial characterized by its distinctive flowers. These blossoms boast a notable central cone that's typically deep orange to brown and quite pronounced, surrounded by a ring of vividly colored petals that range from magenta to a rich, almost royal purple. These petals are usually long, slightly drooping, and narrowly oblong, lending an appealing texture and depth to the flower's overall appearance. The plant itself forms an upright clump with sturdy, branching stems that bear coarse, dark green leaves. The leaves are broad, ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a rough surface texture and distinct veining. The foliage serves as a lush backdrop that accentuates the visual impact of the brightly colored flowers. Additionally, 'The King' is known for its natural resistance to common garden pests and diseases, adding to its attractiveness as a garden plant. It is also favored by pollinators like butterflies and bees, bringing a lively dynamic to the landscape. The overall appearance of Purple Coneflower 'The King' presents a bold visual statement and provides a striking focal point in any garden setting, contributing to its popularity among gardeners and landscapers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower
Common names
Brauneria purpurea, Echinacea serotina, Rudbeckia purpurea.
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'The King') is generally recognized as safe for human consumption when used appropriately. It is commonly used in herbal supplements for its immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience adverse reactions due to allergies or overconsumption, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and allergic reactions, particularly if they are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family. It is not considered toxic, and serious consequences of ingesting this plant are rare when used in moderation as a herbal supplement.
To pets
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'The King') is not typically toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. They may safely ingest small amounts of this plant without serious risk of poisoning. However, excessive consumption can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upsets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, similar to any non-toxic plant material eaten in large quantities. It is always best to monitor your pet's reaction to new plants and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about possible ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea purpurea 'The King' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination of gardens.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of coneflower is recognized for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in many garden settings.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period that provides colorful interest in the garden throughout the summer and often into fall.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, which helps prevent it from being eaten in areas where deer are a problem.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, from borders and wildflower gardens to prairie-style plantings.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, providing a natural and rustic look.
- Winter Interest: The dried seed heads can be left on the plant during winter to add texture and interest to the garden, as well as provide food for birds.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is commonly used to help support the immune system.
- Common cold and flu: It may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Echinacea has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant contains compounds that have antioxidant properties.
- Antimicrobial activity: Echinacea can exhibit some antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
- Wound healing: Historically, it has been used to help heal wounds and skin conditions.
- Upper respiratory infections: May be used as a supplemental treatment for upper respiratory infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea purpurea 'The King' can be used as a natural dye, producing colors ranging from light green to yellow depending on the mordant used.
- The spiny central cone of the flower can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and visual interest.
- Dried Echinacea stems can be used to create eco-friendly, rustic garden stakes for labeling plants in the garden.
- Petals of Echinacea can be pressed and used in decorative crafts such as bookmarks and greeting cards.
- The robust nature of Echinacea allows it to be planted in erosion-prone areas to help stabilize the soil.
- Echinacea can be grown as part of a butterfly garden as it is attractive to many species of butterflies and beneficial insects.
- Seed heads left on the plant over winter provide a food source for birds, particularly finches.
- The leaves can be used as a mulch for garden beds, contributing to soil health as they decompose.
- When grown in large masses, Echinacea can act as a privacy screen or windbreak in the landscape.
- The tough, fibrous roots of Echinacea can be used in crafting for items such as naturally woven baskets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Purple Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Purple Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to boost the immune system and fend off colds and flu.
- Strength and Resilience: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms of the purple coneflower symbolize strength and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Integrity and Resourcefulness: This plant is tenacious and can thrive in poor soil, representing a person's ability to succeed despite challenging conditions and to maintain integrity through hardships.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its striking purple hues and prominent cone-like center, purple coneflower embodies natural beauty and the ability to attract others, whether it be people, butterflies, or beneficial insects.
WaterFor the perennial known as purple coneflower, watering should be done to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Each watering session should provide approximately 1 inch of water or about 0.5 gallons for an established plant. Cut back on watering during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Ensure that the plant receives extra water during periods of extreme heat or drought.
LightPurple coneflower thrives best in full sunlight, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in the afternoon during the hottest part of the day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a garden bed that faces south or west to ensure it gets ample sunlight exposure for strong growth and abundant blooming.
TemperaturePurple coneflower is hardy and adapts well to a range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and up to summer highs of around 85°F. The ideal temperatures for optimal growth and flowering are between 65°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures beyond these ranges can stress the plant, so ensuring proper care during unusual weather events is advisable.
PruningPurple coneflower should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which encourages more blooms and extends the blooming period. It's also advisable to cut the plant back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and promote healthy, vigorous growth. Pruning can be done after the first frost when the plant begins to go dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, the ideal soil mix should be well-draining with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite in a ratio of 2:2:1 is suitable. Additionally, it is beneficial to add some organic matter to enrich the soil.
RepottingPurple Coneflower typically does not require frequent repotting and will thrive in the same spot for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years or when it becomes root-bound ensures healthy growth. Division of the plant during repotting can also help in maintaining vigor.
Humidity & MistingPurple Coneflower prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and resilient to varying humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity adjustments and thrives in the natural outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea purpurea 'The King', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in favorable conditions, typically requires stratification or a period of cold to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and distinct foliage, with the vegetative stage being characterized by growth in leaf number and size. The reproductive stage initiates with the formation of distinctive purple-pink flowers featuring a prominent, spiky central cone, usually occurring in the second year and during the summer months. After pollination by insects, typically bees and butterflies, the flowers produce seeds that are disbursed by wind or animals. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the winter, only to regrow from its hardy perennial root system the following spring, repeating its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
Echinacea purpurea 'The King', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Typically, the best time to divide Purple Coneflower is in the spring or autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into several sections, making sure that each section has a good root system attached. These divisions can then be replanted into prepared soil, ensuring they are spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches apart (30 to 45 centimeters) to accommodate for future growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become too dense or have started to die out in the center.
