Echinacea angustifolia (narrow-leaved purple cone flower) — perennial herbaceous

Overview

Echinacea angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Echinacea, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.5 m wide. Echinacea angustifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, medicinal gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to C. North America.

About

Echinacea angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous member of the Asteraceae, known by the common name narrow-leaved purple cone flower. It reaches about 1.2 m tall with a spread of roughly 0.5 m and flowers in the UK from July to October. The plant prefers full sun on well-drained sandy, loamy or clay soils and is used in wildlife, medicinal and naturalised plantings.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echinacea angustifolia

About the genus

Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. It has ten species, which are commonly called coneflowers. They are native only in eastern and central North America, where they grow in wet to dry prairies and open wooded areas.

Wikipedia contributors, "Echinacea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Echinacea

In the garden

Echinacea angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous coneflower native to central North America and often grown under the common name narrow-leaved purple cone flower or blacksamson echinacea. Plants typically attain about 1.2 m in height with a 0.5 m spread and produce their blooms through July to October, giving reliable late-summer into autumn flowering. Position plants in full sun where soils are freely draining; the species tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures so long as conditions are not waterlogged. Soil that remains moist but drains is acceptable, but avoid heavy winter wet around the crowns. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H7 (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it withstands cold winters where drainage is reasonable. Use Echinacea angustifolia at the back of sunny herbaceous borders, in wildlife or medicinal gardens, or in naturalised prairie-style drifts where its 1.2 m height will rise above lower companions. Allow the summer–autumn flowering span to provide extended season interest in a sunny scheme and to support wildlife through late summer into October.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Echinacea

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Echinacea angustifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herbaceous
Height: 1.2 m
Spread: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: wildlife gardens, medicinal gardens, naturalized areas
Native to: C. North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Echinacea angustifolia

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; cut back in late fall or early spring
Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Echinacea angustifolia?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Where is the best place to plant Echinacea angustifolia?

Echinacea angustifolia prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Echinacea angustifolia need?

Echinacea angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.