Featured in CVWD’s 2026 Desert-Friendly Perennials Calendar
Looking to add a splash of color to your garden while supporting local pollinators? The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a beautiful perennial known for its vibrant purple petals, distinctive cone-shaped center, and long-lasting blooms.
Native to the prairies of the Midwestern United States, this perennial grows 2 to 4 feet tall and approximately 2.5 feet wide. Its relaxed, natural appearance makes it a favorite for informal gardens and landscapes. Blooming from early summer through fall, Purple Coneflower attracts bees, butterflies, and seed-eating birds, making it a wonderful addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
Purple Coneflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates a variety of soil types, and grows easily from seeds. Although considered a desert-friendly plant, it requires moderate watering, particularly during establishment and periods of extreme desert heat.
Purple Coneflower: Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Water Use: Moderate
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Height: 2–4 feet
- Width: Approximately 2.5 feet
- Foliage: Dark green
- Flower Color: Purple
- Blooming Season: Early summer through fall
- Soil: Well-drained
- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and seed-eating birds
November Gardening Tips
November is an excellent time to prepare your Coachella Valley garden for the cooler months. Consider these seasonal gardening tips from CVWD:
- Take advantage of the fall planting season to add trees, shrubs, and perennials to your landscape.
- Moisten the soil before planting well-rooted seedlings.
- Watch for emerging winter weeds and remove them before they produce seeds.
- Prune dead branches from the interiors of citrus trees.
- Water newly planted citrus trees twice a week, adjusting as needed for soil conditions and weather.
Explore CVWD’s Desert-Friendly Calendars
Looking for more inspiration for your landscape? Explore CVWD’s annual calendars featuring plants that bring beauty and variety to desert gardens.
2026 Desert-Friendly Perennials Calendar
Discover colorful perennials, including the Purple Coneflower, along with helpful plant information and seasonal gardening tips.
View CVWD’s 2026 Desert-Friendly Perennials Calendar
2027 Desert-Friendly Vines Calendar – COMING SOON!
Get inspired for the year ahead! CVWD’s upcoming 2027 Calendar will feature desert-friendly vines that add color, texture, and beauty to your landscape. While the calendar is currently in production, you can reserve your copy today!
Reserve Your 2027 Desert-Friendly Vines Calendar
Water Wisely
Desert-friendly plants need proper irrigation to thrive. Understanding your landscape’s seasonal watering needs can help maintain a healthy garden while using water efficiently.
Visit CVWD’s Watering Guide for helpful tips on keeping your landscape healthy and water-wise throughout the year.
November Conservation Tips
- Adjust your irrigation schedule to match the season. Use the Monthly Watering Guide as a quick reference to update watering times as needed.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios or driveways.
- Check for leaks in outdoor faucets or irrigation systems to prevent waste.
- When planting, choose climate-appropriate, desert-friendly, or California native plants that thrive with less water.
- Consider installing a smart irrigation controller that automatically adjusts watering based on weather conditions. Many models include built-in rain sensors, and your local water agency may offer rebates to make them more affordable.
- After measurable rainfall, turn off your sprinklers and keep them off for at least two days, or until the soil is no longer saturated.
