Echinacea paradoxa
Echinacea paradoxa is the yellow coneflower that breaks the purple color rule in this genus. It stands out for bright yellow rays and a bold cone that show well in full sun. It performs best in well-drained, lean soils with regular sun and summer heat. It is hardy in Zones 5 to 8 and dislikes winter-wet conditions. It works in native plantings, meadow borders, and mixed sunny beds. It attracts pollinators and leaves ornamental seedheads for birds.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species; herbaceous perennial
- Height × spread: 24 to 36 in × 12 to 18 in (60 to 90 cm × 30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: June to August
- Color & flower form: yellow to orange-yellow rays with a large coppery-brown cone
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 5 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: wild species, unknown, USA
- Cut-flower notes: stems sturdy; typical vase life 5 to 8 days with cool conditioning
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Only Echinacea species with naturally yellow rays.
- Prefers hotter, glade and prairie conditions of the Ozarks.
- Similar height to many purple forms but with a brighter color impact.
- Less cold-hardy than some purple species in Zone 3 to 4 climates.
Strengths
- Striking color contrast in mixed sun borders.
- Tolerates drought once established.
- Low maintenance in lean, well-drained soils.
- Seedheads add fall and winter structure.
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun on well-drained soil; avoid soggy sites.
- Water to establish; then water deeply only during extended drought.
- Do not overfertilize; excess nitrogen softens growth.
- Deadhead to tidy or leave some seedheads for birds.
- Mulch lightly and pull back from the crown going into winter.
Watch‑outs
- Winter-wet soils can cause crown loss.
- Partial shade reduces flowering and color intensity.
- Standard coneflower issues include aster yellows and leaf spots.
Best uses (tags)
borders, prairie, pollinators, cutting, heat-tolerant
Provenance note
Native to glades and prairies in the Ozark regions of Missouri and Arkansas with outliers in Oklahoma and Texas.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Echinacea paradoxa
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Echinacea paradoxa
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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