Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Echinacea purpurea 'After Midnight'
After Midnight Coneflower
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Magenta-purple petals with a black cone
- Foliage color
- Dark green, lance-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; deadhead to encourage continuous blooms
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; seed heads provide food for birds in winter
About this plant
Echinacea purpurea 'After Midnight' is a beautiful, compact perennial known for its deep magenta-purple flowers and striking dark cones. Blooming from early to late summer, the daisy-like flowers feature prominent, dark central cones surrounded by vibrant, slightly drooping petals. The contrasting colors create a dramatic display that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Native to North America, Echinacea purpurea has long been admired for its resilience and ornamental value. 'After Midnight' was specifically bred for its compact form and intense flower color, making it an excellent choice for smaller garden spaces, containers, or the front of borders, where its bold blooms provide vibrant color throughout the summer season.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Peonies · Salvias · Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
