Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Giant'
   
Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: purple coneflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Garden Location: Lang Family Bird Garden, Kemper Cutting Garden
Height: 2 to 2.5 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Ruby-pink with orange-brown center cone
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. An adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Plants usually rebloom without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers improves general appearance. Propagate vegetatively.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Ruby Giant’ is a purple coneflower cultivar that is noted for its large, bold, dark-ruby pink flowers. It is a clump-forming perennial that features 7” diameter flowers with non-drooping ruby-pink rays and large orange-brown center cones. Long summer to fall bloom period. Coarsely-toothed, dark green leaves (3-6” long). Plants typically grow on rigid stems to 24-30” tall. Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches who perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds. Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog in reference to the flower’s spiny center cone.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Border fronts, rock gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens.