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AUBURN, May 11---A versatile and attractive addition to many Southen gardens is purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), says Dr. Dave Williams, a horticulturist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

A profusion of daisylike flowers covers this plant from late summer through midautumn. The petals surround a large, attractive cone and the foliage is comprised of lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The purple form is most common, but there is also a white form that is growing in popularity.

Purple coneflowers have long been favorites with gardeners in the South and now have found their way to the health food aisle in stores as medicinal plants, says Dr. Barbara Struempler, an Extension nutritionist. American Indians used Echinacea to cure a number of ailments, and now herbalists are using it in teas and pills. It has been credited with anti-inflammatory properties, tissue regeneration abilities and immune system stimulation. Herbalists use it to treat mastitis, abscesses, colds, cystitis, diverticulitis, earache, eye infection, flu, hayfever, sore throat, and on certain wounds. However, there are no research studies to support these claims, Struempler says.

It also attracts butterflies, and birds eat the seeds, making it a good plant for landscapes dedicated to wildlife.

When buying coneflowers, select a healthy transplant in a 4-inch container, says Williams. Choose a planting site in a mostly sunny area for best flower performance. They grow best in well-drained soil supplemented with 3 to 4 inches of leaf mold or organic compost. While tilling the matter into the soil, work in about 2 pounds of a slow release 12-6-6 fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed area. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.

Rudbeckias, coreopsis, Shasta daisies, salvias and angelonias make nice companion plantings. Buddleias and lantanas also combine well. For a real showy display, plant purple coneflowers with purple fountain grass or miscanthus.

Some of the more popular coneflower varieties include Magnus purple coneflower and Bravado. Bravado has large 4- to 5-inch flowers with a wonderful fragrance.

More flowers are produced in the second and third years. Purple coneflowers are perennials whose clumps can be divided in the fall when necessary. This may not need to be done for three or more years. It can be propagated from its own seed.

Purple coneflowers are also great cut flowers. If you let one get past its prime, just pick the petals off and use the brown cone in the vase. Don't throw the arrangement away when you are finished. Let the flowers dry completely and then scatter the seeds around for a denser planting.