purple coneflower ‘Virgin’

Echinacea purpureaVirgin‘. This member of the Asteracea is an introduction by Lurie Garden plantsman, Piet Oudolf. The’Virgin‘ selection was the result of crossing multiple unnamed E. purpurea selections and is noted as a superior selection when compared to older white E. purpurea selections.

Plants grow up to 2 feet tall and can reach a spread of 1.5-2 feet. Much like its genetic parents, E. purpureaVirgin‘ does well in clay and dry soils, full-sun, and is drought tolerant.

Flowers of E. purpureaVirgin‘ are striking–comprised of a double-row of white rays set perpendicular to the stem and surrounding a domed green to green-yellow center cone. Flowers are mildly fragrant and will attract butterflies to the garden. Leaving the dried flowers over winter will attract birds that feast on the remaining seed.

Echinacea purpureaVirgin‘ can be used in similar garden settings as the purple and pink-flowered forms of coneflower.

Botanical Name Echinacea purpurea ‘Virgin’
Common Name purple coneflower ‘Virgin’
Family Asteraceae
USDA Zone 3 thru 8
Light Requirement Full Sun
Season(s) of interest summer, fall, winter
Height and Spread 1.5-2ft x 1-1.5ft (45-60cm x 30-45cm)
Flower Color White
Attracts Wildlife Provides Food for Birds, Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators, Rarely Browsed by Mammalian Herbivores
Additional Information Cultivated Form of a Native Plant. Horticultural origin: E. purpurea native to the Eastern United States, Piet Oudolf introduced this cultivar to the market.
Location in Lurie Garden West Meadow, East Meadow

Average Flowering Time