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Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

coneflowerbee-friendlybutterfly plantdrought-tolerantperennial

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–120 cm
Spread
30–50 cm
Hardiness zone
3–8
Family
Asteraceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
purple, pink
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and needs little water once established. Apply a thin layer of compost in spring. Avoid overly wet soil — root rot is the main threat.

Pruning tips

Leave the seed heads standing after flowering for birds and winter interest. Cut back old foliage and stems in early spring to just above ground level. Deadhead during the season to extend the flowering period.

Good companions

Purple-blue flower spikes of woodland sage in a sunny borderPerennials

Salvia nemorosa

Woodland Sage

Woodland Sage is a compact perennial with striking purple-blue flower spikes blooming from June to August. It attracts plenty of bees and butterflies and works well in sunny borders. Cutting back spent flower stems often triggers a second flush of blooms.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Silvery-white plumes of Chinese Silver Grass swaying in autumn windOrnamental grasses

Miscanthus sinensis

Chinese Silver Grass

Chinese Silver Grass is a striking ornamental grass that adds structure to any garden with its tall plumes and gracefully arching leaves. Silvery-white plumes appear from August to October and catch the autumn and winter light beautifully. The dried grass remains attractive throughout winter.

Full sunMedium150–250 cm
Soft blue catmint flower plumes along a garden pathPerennials

Nepeta × faassenii

Catmint

Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.

Full sunLow30–45 cm