Coneflower Magnus
Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'
This Perennial Plant Association award winner showcases the classic purple coneflower at its finest, with rich rosy-purple petals that don't droop and prominent bronze-orange centers. Magnus is beloved by butterflies, bees, and goldfinches while providing excellent cut flowers and winter seed heads for natural garden interest. It's incredibly drought tolerant and reliable, making it a cornerstone plant for prairie-style and pollinator gardens.
Sun
eh-ki-NAY-see-ah pur-PUR-ee-ah
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Coneflower Magnus in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Coneflower Magnus · Zones 3–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: eh-ki-NAY-see-ah pur-PUR-ee-ah. Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: 'Alba', 'Amazing Dream', 'Avalanche', 'Bright Star', 'Bright Star', 'Cheyenne Spirit', Echinachea purpurea 'Hot Papaya' - PP#21,022, Fragrant Angel, 'Glowing Dream', 'Harvest Moon', 'Hot Papaya', ‘Kim’s Knee High’, 'Kismet Raspberry' PP 28,768 ('TNECHKR'), ‘Magnus’, 'Mellow Yellows', 'PAS702917' Powwow Wildberry, POW WOW, 'Purity', Ruby Star, 'Secret Affair', 'Sundown', 'Tiki Torch', 'White Swan'. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Alba', 'Amazing Dream', 'Avalanche', 'Bright Star', 'Bright Star', 'Cheyenne Spirit', Echinachea purpurea 'Hot Papaya' - PP#21,022, Fragrant Angel, 'Glowing Dream', 'Harvest Moon', 'Hot Papaya', ‘Kim’s Knee High’, 'Kismet Raspberry' PP 28,768 ('TNECHKR'), ‘Magnus’, 'Mellow Yellows', 'PAS702917' Powwow Wildberry, POW WOW, 'Purity', Ruby Star, 'Secret Affair', 'Sundown', 'Tiki Torch', 'White Swan'. Propagation: Division, Root Cutting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Seeds produced in the center cone are small, dark, 4 sided achenes that are attractive to birds.
Color: Black. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Good Dried
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Herbaceous parts may be steeped as a tea
Storage & Preservation
Fresh cut Magnus coneflowers last 5-7 days in cool water with stems recut underwater and lower leaves removed. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems to maintain freshness. Store in refrigerator if not displaying immediately.
For dried flower arrangements, harvest blooms at peak color and hang upside down in small bundles in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space. Properly dried flowers retain color for 6-12 months.
Preserve seeds by spreading them on screens in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks until completely moisture-free. Store in labeled envelopes or glass jars in cool, dry conditions—properly stored seeds remain viable for 2-3 years. For root preservation, clean harvested roots thoroughly, slice thinly, and dry completely before storing in airtight containers away from light.
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern and central USA
Advantages
- +Attracts: Some cultivars resistant to phytophthora. Deer
- +Wildlife value: Its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This plant supports Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) larvae which has two broods from May-September. The adults feed on nectar from red clover, common milkweed, and dogbane. This plant also supports Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata) larvae. Songbirds, especially American goldfinches, eat the seeds. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees
- +Edible: Herbaceous parts may be steeped as a tea
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Black-Eyed Susan
Similar growing requirements and bloom times, creates pollinator-friendly prairie garden
Bee Balm
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, complementary bloom periods
Lavender
Repels pests like aphids and deer, both are drought-tolerant perennials
Sedum
Provides late-season nectar for butterflies, similar low-maintenance requirements
Russian Sage
Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and creates beautiful color contrast
Ornamental Grasses
Provides structural contrast and winter interest, similar water needs
Shasta Daisy
Attracts beneficial insects, complementary white blooms with purple coneflowers
Catmint
Repels rodents and deer, drought tolerant with similar growing conditions
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including coneflowers
Dense Shade Trees
Coneflowers need full sun and will become weak and leggy in heavy shade
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature can overtake and crowd out coneflower plantings
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, occasional powdery mildew in humid conditions
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, aphids, eriophyid mites
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial spot, aster yellows (rare)