Coneflower – Purple

The Purple Coneflower is a drought tolerant perennial that is native to the Midwest and the southeastern United States.  It will draw the interest of birds and butterflies and make an exceptional cut flower.  The Purple Coneflower is an herb that is thought to have certain medicinal properties and its extracts are often used as immune stimulators.  Its seeds should be planted in well-drained soil, in an area that receives full sun or partial shade.  In cooler climates this flower can be planted outdoors in the spring, after the last frost has passed.  Or it can be planted indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.  Warmer climates, such as those found in the southern United States, can fall plant this flower.

*Most perennials will not bloom the first year they are planted.  They establish a plant the first year and then bloom the second and every year after that.  Annuals will give you color the first year you plant them and then can reseed themselves if they like where they are growing.   This is why perennials tend to be more expensive.  It takes twice as long to get seed off of the plant than an annual when initially planting.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 40 – 50 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 20 pounds per acre.