Native to North America, the purple coneflower is a beautiful honey plant with deciduous foliage and an upright habit that thrives in rich, sandy soil. Highly ornamental, it produces splendid daisies with a coppery center that radiate out over flowerbeds. The coneflower is also a medicinal plant known for strengthening the immune system and helping with colds, flu, or pharyngitis. Both the flower and the root are used. Its flowers are prized in floral art; its large flower heads make attractive cut or dried flowers. Growing the coneflower: Plant the coneflower outside of frost periods in well-drained, dry, and deep soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Vigorous, it will withstand extreme cold and drought. Cut off faded flowers as they appear to prolong flowering. Rudbeckia Flowering The magnificent purple blooms appear from August until autumn. Care Remove faded flowers as they appear to encourage the appearance of new flowers. Prune the plant lightly each year in early spring.