The Purple Coneflower is a long-lived, reliable standby for the perennial garden. And while not xeric, it manages quite well with just weekly watering. Rosy purple petals fall below the prominent orange-tinged cone and blooms in late June to September. Foliage is large, with a rounded lance shape. An excellent cut flower, they provide nectar for bumblebees and butterflies, and the seeds provide forage for migrating song birds, so don't cut them all!
Plant in compost enriched soil that is well drained. Will grow in sun to part shade. Flowers left to dry on the plant will produce seed that will be enjoyed by birds, and may reseed to create a lovely, natural-looking garden. Not terribly drought tolerant in our hot valley, but they would do well in a moderly watered garden, or in the bench areas.