Echinacea pallida

pale purple coneflower

Deciduous, Herbaceous Perennial

Echinacea pallida, commonly known as pale purple coneflower, is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that is native to eastern and central North America. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its attractive flowers and ability to tolerate various growing conditions. This plant typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet. It thrives in full sun to part shade and can adapt to different soil types, including dry to medium well-drained soil. Echinacea pallida is known for its pale purple flowers, which bloom from June to July. The flowers have drooping petals and spiny coppery-orange center cones, giving them a unique and striking appearance. Cultivating Echinacea pallida is relatively easy, as it is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity, and poor soils. It is relatively low-maintenance. It can be divided every four years to prevent overcrowding. Deadheading the spent flowers can improve its overall appearance, although the plant usually reblooms without this intervention. Additionally, this species attracts butterflies and is deer-resistant. Echinacea pallida can be used in various ways, such as mass planting in borders, native plant gardens, naturalized areas, prairies, and wildflower meadows. It also makes a good cut flower, both fresh and dried. Overall, Echinacea pallida is a versatile and beautiful plant that adds color and interest to any landscape.

This coneflower features prominently in this section of my front yard garden in Portland, OR USDA Zone 8b.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Low, Occasional

Soil: Clay, Gritty, Rocky, Sandy

Description

Size: 24 - 36 tall x 12 - 18 wide
Shape / Form: Clumping, Irregular, Upright
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Attracts Butterflies, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flowers, Long Blooming

Foliage Color: Green

Flower Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Jul, Jun, Summer
Flower Shape: Daisy / Composite


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Matrix, Attracts Pollinators, Beds and Borders, Cutting Garden, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Massed, Naturalize
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Reflected Heat
Wildlife: Butterflies

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Summer, Jun, Jul
Position / Role: mid-plane filler, continuity creator, matrix / mingler
Plant Behavior: Clumping, Naturalizes, Re-seeds in some conditions

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading, Divide Plants to Rejuvenate

Plant Combos