Echinacea 'Magnus' Purple Coneflower

Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year 1998

Echinacea 'Magnus', also known as the 'Magnus' purple coneflower, is a dazzling addition to any garden, celebrated for its irresistible allure to butterflies, long-lasting blooms, and vibrant display of color. Awarded the Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year, 'Magnus' showcases large, hot-pink blooms that captivate with their sheer size and beauty. Unlike many other coneflowers, the petals of 'Magnus' coneflower radiate almost straight out from the central cone, creating a fuller, more colorful display with each 4- to 6-inch bloom.

From late spring into the fall, the 'Magnus' purple coneflower produces an abundance of flowers, transforming any garden space into a vibrant palette of color. As the season wanes, the large, mahogany-brown coneheads provide sustenance for birds or become striking elements in dried floral arrangements. Thriving in full sun to part shade, Echinacea 'Magnus' is remarkably drought tolerant, reaching up to 3½ feet in height and flourishing even in poor soil, thanks to its preference for well-drained soils.

This garden workhorse, Echinacea 'Magnus', is not only easy to care for but also resilient against the harshest heat and dry conditions of summer. Its blooms, perfect for cutting and bringing indoors, continue to offer beauty and grace in vase arrangements. As a classic variety of echinacea purpurea 'Magnus', it is an essential component for any garden aiming to cultivate a space filled with colorful, enduring flowers.

Gardeners will appreciate the 'Magnus' coneflower for more than its aesthetic appeal. It's a cultivar that thrives on minimal care, requiring only occasional watering in dry to medium moisture conditions and benefiting from divided clumps to promote healthy growth. Its early spring emergence and prolonged flowering period make it a staple for any perennial border, offering a stunning flower color that ranges from deep purple to hot pink.

Incorporating 'Magnus' into your garden not only means embracing a plant with a prestigious title of Plant of the Year but also choosing a variety that enhances biodiversity, inviting pollinators and birds alike. Its robust nature and ability to adapt to a range of garden conditions make Echinacea 'Magnus' an unbeatable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Echinacea, commonly called coneflower, is a hardy native perennial flower that is low maintenance, drought tolerant, and pollinator friendly. Available in a variety of colors, the purple coneflower is the most widely planted.