Is Purple Coneflower good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Purple Coneflower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Purple Coneflower?

The main things to know: Heavy self-seeder; new plants pop up several feet from parent

How far apart do I plant Purple Coneflower?

Space Purple Coneflower about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Purple Coneflower hardy on the Front Range?

Purple Coneflower is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Purple Coneflower need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Purple Coneflower native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

Is Purple Coneflower deer-resistant?

Purple Coneflower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

How long does Purple Coneflower bloom?

Purple Coneflower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Classic pollinator-garden staple; long-blooming purple daisies; goldfinch food in fall.

On the CSU listlow to medium water24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: Burkhard Mücke, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 2: (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: no rights reserved
Photo 4: no rights reserved
Photo 5: W. Bulach, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 6: Reinhold Möller Ermell, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer
Bloom color: purple, pink
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Spreads aggressivelyHeavy self-seeder; new plants pop up several feet from parent

Planting & establishment

Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Purple Coneflower good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Purple Coneflower is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Purple Coneflower?: The main things to know: Heavy self-seeder; new plants pop up several feet from parent
How big does Purple Coneflower get?: It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Purple Coneflower?: Space Purple Coneflower about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Purple Coneflower hardy on the Front Range?: Purple Coneflower is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Purple Coneflower need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Purple Coneflower native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Purple Coneflower deer-resistant?: Purple Coneflower is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
How long does Purple Coneflower bloom?: Purple Coneflower blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.