Coneflowers

I have this big clump of purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) in the middle of a narrow border along my patio and walkway. The clump is about 4 feet tall, and filled with flowers and buds right now. I love these low-maintenance plants. They are tough plants and are very easy to grow. They are tolerant of heat and drought, attract butterflies, come back thicker every year, and bloom until frost. The plant has very sturdy stems, and it needs them to hold up the many large flowers. The flowers are bright pinkish-purple with decorative center cones of orange and bronze. This clump is getting large, and I hope to divide it soon and have even more of these pretty and cheerful flowers. Click on any of these photos to view larger versions.

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Even the center cones are pretty.

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Enlarge to see small green bug on coneflower petal.

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Three coneflowers in the sun.

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Click on any photo to enlarge.