Coneflowers are hardworking perennials that offer a double benefit: they draw in pollinators and withstand harsh drought conditions. With so many colorful cultivars and native species available, gardeners can mix and match varieties to build a resilient, buzzing backyard haven. This list features 25 standout coneflowers, each with something unique to offer in beauty, endurance, and wildlife value.
1. Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'
With large, vibrant rose-purple petals and a prominent orange cone, this classic cultivar is a staple in pollinator gardens. It boasts long-lasting blooms and tough, upright stems that resist drooping in dry conditions. Bees and butterflies crowd around its large, open landing zone all summer long. 'Magnus' also self-seeds reliably without becoming aggressive, ensuring future blooms.
2. Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry'
This compact variety is perfect for containers or small gardens thanks to its electric magenta blooms and tidy growth habit. It flowers in its first year from seed, offering instant impact in any sunny spot. Loved by bees and butterflies, it keeps blooming even during hot, dry stretches. Strong stems help maintain its neat form without staking. It handles lean soils easily and still looks vibrant.
3. Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'
A graceful twist on the classic purple variety, 'White Swan' displays snowy white petals that radiate around a golden-orange cone. This refined coneflower keeps its crisp look through blazing summer heat and is frequently visited by native bees and butterflies. Its open, flat blossoms offer great access for nectar feeding. Strong stems prevent flopping, even in exposed sites. Use it to balance brighter blooms or for a serene monochrome bed.
4. Echinacea pallida
With long, pale pink petals that droop delicately downward, this native species adds a wild, prairie-like elegance to the garden. Echinacea pallida attracts native bees, wasps, and other beneficial insects in abundance. Tall and narrow in stature, it adds vertical interest without crowding neighbors. A deep taproot allows it to withstand prolonged dry periods with minimal watering. It thrives lightly in poor or rocky soils and reseeds.
5. Echinacea 'Red Pearl'
Rich red petals and a deep brown cone give 'Red Pearl' a dramatic, jewel-toned appeal that intensifies with age. It is drought and heat-resistant, with strong stems that stay upright through wind and rain. Its long-lasting flowers provide an extended buffet for butterflies and bees and are ideal for bold garden statements or late-season color boosts.
6. Echinacea tennesseensis
Known for its unique upright petals and tidy, compact shape, this rare native species is an excellent performer in hot and dry environments. It is a magnet for native bees and does well in gravelly or shallow soils. Echinacea tennesseensis is federally listed as endangered, making it a meaningful addition to conservation-focused gardens. Its smaller stature makes it a natural fit for urban or small-space plantings.
7. Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
This seed mix offers a dazzling display of colors ranging from red to gold and magenta. Each plant can bloom in a different shade, adding instant variety. Butterflies and bees flock to its long-lasting flowers. It is heat-loving and thrives in dry, sunny spots. Perfect for mass plantings and prairie designs, blooms appear in the first year from seed.
8. Echinacea 'Green Twister'
Lime green edges swirl into purple centers on this head-turning coneflower, adding color interest from every angle. Its unusual bi-color petals and strong vertical presence make it a focal point in perennial beds. Pollinators visit it regularly, especially bumblebees and swallowtails. It has excellent drought resistance and thrives in full sun with little extra care. The plant holds its shape through summer storms and dry spells.
9. Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita'
This compact coneflower is all about intensity, featuring rich red petals with deep burgundy cones. Its smaller size fits easily at the front of borders or in containers, making it versatile for any layout. Thanks to the bold flower structure, hummingbirds and bees are frequent visitors. It thrives in hot climates and shrugs off drought once established. Strong stems prevent flopping, even after heavy rains.
10. Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses'
With its compact form and double pink pompom blooms, 'Butterfly Kisses' is a charming addition to small gardens and pots. The densely layered flowers provide rich nectar, making them a favorite stop for bees and butterflies. Its neat shape resists flopping and performs well in heat and dry spells. Blooms remain tidy for weeks, holding up in both full sun and strong winds
11. Echinacea 'Milkshake'
This creamy white double coneflower features layered petals with a soft pompom center that glows in the sunlight. The dense structure provides a rich nectar source for pollinators while creating a fluffy texture that contrasts with nearby plants. Its upright form stays neat and resists drooping, even during dry spells or strong winds. The white blooms act as a cooling accent in beds filled with bold colors.
12. Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'
Fiery and tropical, 'Hot Papaya' produces double blooms in vibrant red-orange hues that bring intense color to drought-prone landscapes. Despite its exotic look, it handles lean soil and hot weather with ease. The layered blooms remain upright and fresh-looking even after long sunny days. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are regular visitors. It is especially striking when paired with blue or purple companions.
13. Echinacea 'Blackberry Truffle'
This striking double coneflower features raspberry-purple petals with a rich, domed center resembling a soft scoop of sorbet. Its heavy blooms attract bees and butterflies, offering deep nectar access in warm weather. Upright stems stay sturdy through heat waves and summer winds. The foliage is clean and compact, making it ideal for the front of beds.
14. Echinacea 'Tiki Torch'
Bright orange petals and a rich copper cone give 'Tiki Torch' a sunset-inspired look that lights up the garden. It holds its color remarkably well, even in full sun, and continues blooming into early fall. Bees and butterflies flock to the vibrant blooms daily. The plant grows tall with strong stems that remain sturdy during summer heat. It thrives in sandy or low-nutrient soils and needs little water.
15. Echinacea 'Fatal Attraction'
With neon magenta petals and dark purple-black stems, this cultivar stands out in modern or moody planting schemes. Compact and upright, 'Fatal Attraction' fits well into small gardens and containers without sacrificing flower size. Its saturated color and wide, flat form attract native bees, swallowtails, and painted ladies. It continues blooming reliably through droughts and stays tidy without deadheading.
16. Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia'
This unique cultivar features watermelon-pink petals that blend into lime green tips, echoing the look of a summer fruit. Its compact, upright growth keeps it neat, even in crowded borders or containers. The bright flowers draw pollinators nonstop from mid-summer through fall. It performs reliably in poor soils and high heat. Use it as a feature in playful or tropical schemes.
17. Echinacea 'Adobe Orange'
With blazing orange petals and a bronze cone, Adobe Orange makes a bold, southwestern-style statement. It stays compact and neat, making it perfect for smaller spaces or pots. The color remains intense in strong sun, and it effortlessly tolerates hot, dry weather. Add it to rock gardens or drought-prone beds for a splash of heat.
18. Echinacea 'Tomato Soup'
With petals the color of ripe tomatoes and a prominent orange cone, 'Tomato Soup' adds bold flavor to sunny garden beds. Its tall, upright form is well suited to the middle or back of borders, where it draws pollinators with its high visibility and open form. It’s a strong performer in dry, poor soils and does not require staking. The intense red color deepens with age, creating a layered look.
19. Echinacea 'Green Jewel'
This rare variety features chartreuse petals and a green central cone. Its unusual color draws attention and pollinators alike. It keeps its tidy form during droughts. The flowers are long-lasting and look especially striking when planted with darker companions. Fragrant and upright, it is ideal for bold color contrast.
20. Echinacea 'Marmalade'
This selection radiates warmth with tangerine-orange petals and a golden cone that glows in summer light. It holds up beautifully under dry, hot conditions and brings continuous pollinator activity to the garden. The flowers are long-lasting and fade gracefully, adding a shifting palette over time. Sturdy stems and healthy foliage make it a dependable focal point. It works especially well in sunny borders and prairie-inspired settings.
21. Echinacea 'Coconut Lime'
This double-flowered variety combines creamy white petals with a lime-colored pompom center. It adds a fresh and cool look to hot-weather gardens. Despite its delicate appearance, it is highly drought-tolerant. Its dense bloom offers rich nectar for visiting insects. Suitable for containers and borders, it attracts butterflies all summer.
22. Echinacea 'SunSeekers Rainbow'
This selection stands out with its kaleidoscope of peach, pink, and coral petals. Each flower may show slightly different hues, adding natural variety. It is compact, durable, and long-blooming, making it ideal for cheerful summer displays as it stays upright during dry periods. Pollinators find the wide blooms easy to access.
23. Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel'
This large white coneflower delivers more than good looks; it adds a sweet scent that draws pollinators from all directions. The wide petals surround a golden cone, creating a clean, sunny contrast. It is very drought-tolerant and thrives in both clay and sandy soils. The fragrance adds value to patios and pathways. Upright growth makes it a garden centerpiece. Combine with lavenders or blues for a calming effect.
24. Echinacea 'Sundown'
A mix of orange, rose, and peach shades gives 'Sundown' a sunset-like appearance. Its fragrant blooms draw pollinators from early summer through frost. The plant is vigorous and well-suited for tough garden spots. It is great for warm-color garden schemes and tolerates drought once established. Strong stems hold up well without support.
25. Echinacea 'Guava Ice'
Soft coral-pink double blooms make 'Guava Ice' a tropical-looking gem that pairs beautifully with warm-toned perennials. Pollinators love the generous petal count and strong nectar production. The plant has excellent drought tolerance and blooms steadily all summer long. Stems remain upright even during storms, and the color stays vibrant in harsh sunlight.
Garden Smarter with Coneflowers That Do More
From fiery red to soft white and everything in between, coneflowers offer a powerful mix of color, resilience, and wildlife value. With so many unique forms and shades, these 25 choices make it easy to build a low-maintenance garden that blooms through dry weather while buzzing with life. Whether you lean toward natives or bold hybrids, there is a coneflower that suits your style and supports your local pollinators.
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