Coneflower

Echinacea

Purple coneflower is so easy to grow and attractive and draws so many birds and butterflies that you simply must grow coneflowers, if you have the room. Valued for its large sturdy daisylike flowers with dropping petals, this prairie native will spread easily in good soil and full sun. It is bothered by few pests or diseases. It's a great cut flower -- bring in armloads of it to brighten the house. And birds and butterflies love coneflower plants. Allow it to spread so that you have at least a small stand of it. Let the flowers go to seed and the goldfinches will love you, coming to feast on the coneflower seeds daily. Butterflies and helpful bees also love purple coneflower.

It used to be that rosy purple or white were the only choices in flower color. Recent hybrids have introduced yellow, orange, burgundy, cream, and shades in between