Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' (purple coneflower 'Robert Bloom') — Perennial herbaceous

Overview

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' 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 purpurea 'Robert Bloom' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and pollinator garden. It is native to Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.

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 purpurea 'Robert Bloom' originates from eastern North America and is a cultivated form of the purple coneflower within the Asteraceae. In garden terms it grows to around 1.2 m and forms clumps roughly 0.5 m across. Its season of interest runs from July to October, when the purple capitula are most conspicuous. Plant into a sunny site on sandy or loamy ground that drains freely yet retains some moisture; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. As a fully hardy perennial (H7) in the UK — and suitable across USDA zones 3–10 — it tolerates our winters without special protection. Allow roughly 0.5 m between plants to give each clump room to mature and to aid air movement around the stems. Use this cultivar at the back of mixed borders, in a dedicated pollinator bed, or as a source of cut flowers. Its height provides structure behind lower perennials and grasses, while individual stems work well in arrangements when cut. Positioning in full sun will maximise flowering from July to October and help maintain a compact habit.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Echinacea

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

Plant details

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herbaceous
Height: 1.2 m
Spread: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cut flowers, Pollinator garden
Native to: Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; deadhead to prolong flowering
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring
Propagation: Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom'?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; deadhead to prolong flowering.

Where is the best place to plant Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom'?

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' need?

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom'?

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring.

How big does Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' grow?

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' reaches a height of 1.2 m and a spread of 0.5 m.

Is Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' hardy in the UK?

Echinacea purpurea 'Robert Bloom' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.