Echinacea Purpurea Magnus
Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'
This Perennial Plant of the Year winner showcases massive 7-inch purple flowers with flat, horizontal petals and prominent orange cones that attract goldfinches and butterflies. Unlike many coneflowers with drooping petals, Magnus holds its petals proudly horizontal for maximum impact. A native prairie wildflower that's incredibly drought tolerant and provides four-season interest with its architectural seed heads.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
eh-ki-NAY-see-ah pur-PUR-ee-ah
Zones
3–8
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Echinacea Purpurea Magnus in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Echinacea Purpurea 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 Echinacea leaves and flowers should be used immediately for maximum potency, but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days wrapped in damp paper towels inside plastic bags. Roots keep longer—clean, dry ones store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For drying, hang small bundles of stems in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks until completely dry. Store dried material in airtight containers away from light for up to one year. Roots should be chopped into small pieces before drying for more even dehydration.
Tincture-making preserves potency longest: chop fresh roots and cover with 80-proof vodka, steeping for 4-6 weeks while shaking daily. Strain and store in dark glass bottles for up to 3 years. Freezing fresh roots in ice cube trays with water creates convenient portions for later use in teas or preparations.
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 conditions and bloom times, attracts beneficial pollinators
Bee Balm
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, repels ants and mice
Lavender
Repels deer and rabbits, attracts pollinators, similar drought tolerance
Russian Sage
Complementary bloom colors, deer resistant, attracts beneficial insects
Yarrow
Attracts predatory insects, improves soil health, similar water needs
Catmint
Repels aphids and ants, attracts pollinators, deer and rabbit resistant
Sedum
Attracts late-season pollinators, complementary growth habit, drought tolerant
Coreopsis
Similar growing conditions, extended bloom period, attracts beneficial insects
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to Echinacea and inhibits growth
Mint
Aggressive spreading nature can crowd out and compete with Echinacea
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of nearby plants including Echinacea
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, avoid wet soils
Common Pests
Aphids, Japanese beetles, eriophyid mites
Diseases
Root rot in wet soils, aster yellows, powdery mildew in humid conditions