Product Description
Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' PP32653 (30)ct Flat
EYE-CATCHER® Collection
Common Name: Coneflower
This collection of coneflowers will certainly "catch your eye!" These single flowering varieties come in bold colors, better basal branching compared to older genetics, fairly compact, with large flowers and horizontal petals. These pollinator friendly perennials are a must-have addition to your sun garden!
'Canary Feathers' has large 5" bright yellow flowers are well-branched and contrast well with the dark green foliage. Color lightens slightly but holds its color better than other yellow varieties. Replaces 'Canary' in our catalog.
Praised for their cheerful brightly colored flowers, coneflowers are a mainstay in today's garden. Be sure to leave some spent blooms on the plants in the fall because their seeds provide winter food for finches and other birds. The dried seed heads also provide architectural interest in the winter.
Coneflowers like it sunny and hot. Though they will tolerate light shade, fewer flowers will be produced, and the plants will be weakened. Light, loamy soils are best, but coneflowers will grow in any well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant. If properly cared for, they will form attractive colonies and will live for many years.
Height: 18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread: 14.0-16.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies and Songbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is a vibrant and captivating addition to any garden. This cheerful coneflower, part of the Eye-Catcher™ series, boasts large, bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer, attracting pollinators and adding a touch of sunshine to your landscape. This coneflower is known for its compact size, excellent branching, and bold flower colors. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the characteristics, care requirements, uses, and potential health benefits of this delightful plant.
Origins and History The genus name Echinacea comes from the Greek word "echinos," meaning hedgehog or sea urchin, which refers to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus. All seven species of Echinacea are native to eastern and central North America. 'Canary Feathers', specifically, is native to the central and eastern United States.
Characteristics of Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' typically reaches a height of 18-20 inches with a spread of 14-16 inches. The flowers are a striking bright yellow, with horizontal petals surrounding a prominent golden yellow cone. As the flowers age, their color lightens slightly, but they hold their color better than other yellow varieties. The foliage is a dark green, providing a lovely contrast to the vibrant blooms. Notably, this cultivar is protected by patent number PP32653.
This cultivar is hardy in zones 4-8 and thrives in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is also deer resistant, making it a great choice for gardens prone to deer browsing. The flowers have a delightful fragrance, adding another dimension to their appeal. Here is a summary of the key characteristics:
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Height: 18-20 inches
- Spread: 14-16 inches
- Flower Color: Bright yellow
- Flower Size: 5 inches wide
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Moisture: Dry to average
- Deer Resistance: Yes
- Fragrance: Yes
- Attracts: Bees, butterflies, songbirds
Caring for Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is a low-maintenance and relatively easy-to-care-for plant, but proper care will ensure it thrives in your garden. Here are some essential care tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some shade, full sun promotes optimal growth and flowering.
- Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Coneflowers prefer light, loamy soils but can adapt to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage. This is crucial for preventing root rot and ensuring the plant's health.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to help the roots establish. Once established, coneflowers are drought tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is not a heavy feeder. A light application of compost in the spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to increased incidences of crown and root rot.
- Deadheading: Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. This also helps maintain a tidy appearance.
- Winter Care: In colder climates, cut back the stems in late fall or early winter after they have died back. You can apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants for winter protection.
Pests and Diseases While generally low-maintenance, Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Pests: Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and caterpillars can infest coneflowers. These insects can damage the foliage and flowers and may also transmit plant viruses. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Diseases: Coneflowers can be affected by fungal diseases like Botrytis, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium, especially in humid conditions or when overwatered. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent these diseases. Aster yellows, a disease caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by leafhoppers, can also affect coneflowers. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and deformed flowers. If you suspect aster yellows, remove and destroy the affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Container Growing If you are growing Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' in containers, here are some additional tips:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature of around 68°F for optimal growth.
- pH: Use slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Uses of Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden and beyond:
- Ornamental: Its bright yellow flowers and compact habit make it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings. It can also be used in the middle of the border or as a cut flower.
- Pollinator attractor: The flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and songbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.
- Wildlife habitat: The dried seed heads provide winter food for birds, especially finches.
- Dried flower arrangements: The seed heads also add visual interest to dried flower arrangements.
- Ecological health: Coneflowers play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and ecological health by attracting pollinators and providing food for birds.
Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also contributes to a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is a delightful and versatile plant that brings beauty and life to any garden. Its vibrant yellow flowers, compact habit, and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite among gardeners. This coneflower is a prolific bloomer all summer long and has better basal branching compared to older genetics. Whether you are looking to add a splash of color to your landscape, attract pollinators, provide winter food for birds, or support ecological health, Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is an excellent choice. Its unique characteristics, including its consistent yellow color and long blooming period, make it a standout amongst coneflowers. With its ease of care and multitude of benefits, Echinacea 'Canary Feathers' is a rewarding addition to any garden.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
