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    • Echinacea

    echinacea-field.jpgEchinacea (ek-in-nay-shee-uh), Coneflowers, are not just purple coneflowers anymore, but a wide range of flower colorations consisting of various hues of magenta, orange, pink, purple, white, and yellow. There are also numerous flower types available including single, double, quilled, or cultivars with bi-color blooms or petals that changes color over time.

    Native to North American, purple coneflower was once common in meadows and prairies and is often used in summer gardens to attract butterflies or for use as a cut flower. 

    Coneflowers like it sunny and hot. Plant in sun to partially shady sites. Morning sun and afternoon shade often yield the best looking flowers. Light, loamy soils are best, but coneflowers will grow in any well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant.

    Most plants grow about 2 to 4 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. Dwarf and compact forms of Echinacea are available. 

    Use in mass or group plantings, borders, entrance ways, back of the perennial bed, and naturalized areas or woodland edge. Fragrant flowers attract butterflies. Spent blooms should be left on the plants in fall because seeds provide winter food for finches and other birds. Deer resistant.

    echinacea.jpg

    MAINTENANCE: Keep plants moist but not overly wet until established. Flowering period may be extended by deadheading (removing faded blooms). Divide every 3 years, if necessary. No serious pests or diseases impact Echinacea. PLANTING: Set plants 18 to 24 inches apart, in a sunny or lightly shaded location. Echinacea perform best with a rich, evenly moist, well-drained, organic-enriched soil, but will grow in average or poor soil.

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    A perennial native to North American prairies and open woodlands, coneflower is renowned for its daisy-like flowers with spiny cone-shaped centers. Available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, orange, green, peach, and coral, coneflower offers both single and double forms. Its nectar attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while its seeds provide sustenance for songbirds throughout fall and winter.

    Benefits:

    • Attracts pollinators and songbirds: Enhances biodiversity and supports ecosystem health.
    • Ornamental value: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens.
    • Low maintenance: Easy to care for with minimal effort.
    • Deer resistance: Less susceptible to deer damage.

    Cultivation:

    • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate some afternoon shade in hot climates.
    • Soil: Prefers moderately rich, well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
    • Watering: Moderately water tolerant but allow soil to dry out between waterings. Irrigate more frequently during dry spells.
    • Fertilizing: Minimal fertilizer is needed; add a thin layer of compost in spring.
    • Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom time and cut back dead growth in late winter or early spring.

    Landscape Uses:

    • Mixed borders: Add vibrant color and texture.
    • Cutting gardens: Create long-lasting floral arrangements.
    • Native gardens: Support pollinators and songbirds.
    • Rock gardens: Thrive in well-drained soil.
    • Containers: Ideal for smaller varieties.
    • Mass plantings: Create stunning displays.

    By incorporating coneflower into your landscape, you can enjoy its beauty, support wildlife, and benefit from its low-maintenance nature.

    Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) FAQ

    Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Purple Rudbeckia

    eh-ki-NAY-see-ah pur-PUR-ee-ah

    Purple coneflower is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the central and eastern United States, belonging to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Its genus name, Echinacea, is derived from the Greek word meaning "spiny one," while the species name, purpurea, refers to its reddish-purple color.

    Growing to heights of 3-4 feet, this plant produces striking pinkish-purple flowers that mature from early summer through mid-fall. It thrives in well-drained, moist loam but is adaptable to various soil types. Once established, purple coneflower is drought-tolerant and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It is also resistant to deer, heat, humidity, and salt. Easily propagated by seed, it readily reseeds itself in the garden.

    The attractive ray petals encircle a central cone of dark purplish-brown disc flowers, creating a long-lasting bloom. This popular and versatile plant is ideal for borders, groupings, native gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. Numerous cultivars offer a range of sizes and colors.

    Pollinators and Wildlife: Purple coneflower attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies. Leaving some flower heads standing will produce seeds that are a valuable food source for birds.

    Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Japanese beetles and leaf spot can occasionally affect purple coneflower. It is susceptible to aster yellows disease, but some cultivars exhibit excellent resistance to phytophthora.

    • 'Alba': White flowers
    • 'Amazing Dream': A popular cultivar with vibrant colors
    • 'Avalanche': White flowers
    • 'Bright Star': Taller with horizontally held petals
    • 'Bright Star Dwarf': Dwarf cultivar with rosy-pink flowers
    • 'Cheyenne Spirit': Multiple colors on each plant, resistant to phytophthora
    • 'Hot Papaya': Orange-red ray and disc florets
    • 'Fragrant Angel': Clean white rays with a delightful fragrance
    • 'Glowing Dream': A striking and colorful variety
    • 'Harvest Moon': Golden yellow flowers with orange cones
    • 'Hot Papaya': 3' chili pepper red, double, drooping petals with a pom-pom center
    • 'Kim's Knee High': A compact cultivar
    • 'Kismet Raspberry': A vibrant raspberry-colored variety
    • 'Magnus': A classic and popular cultivar
    • 'Mellow Yellows': Various shades of yellow flowers
    • 'PAS702917' Powwow Wildberry': Rosy pink flowers, resistant to phytophthora
    • 'POW WOW': Drooping petals and medium plant height
    • 'Purity': A pure white variety
    • 'Ruby Star': Red to purple rays with a dark brown cone
    • 'Secret Affair': A unique and captivating cultivar
    • 'Sundown': Large russet orange rays
    • 'Tiki Torch': Bright orange flowers
    • 'White Swan': Large flowers with slightly drooping petals
    • Genus: Echinacea
    • Species: purpurea
    • Family: Asteraceae
    • Uses (Ethnobotany): Historically used by Native Americans and early settlers for medicinal purposes.
    • Life Cycle: Perennial
    • Recommended Propagation: Division, root cutting, seed
    • Origin: Eastern and central United States
    • Distribution: Widely distributed across the eastern and central United States
    • Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supports various insect larvae, and provides food for songbirds.
    • Play Value: Attractive flowers, attracts pollinators, easy to grow, wildlife food source
    • Resistance: Some cultivars resistant to phytophthora, deer resistant
    • Edibility: Herbaceous parts can be steeped as a tea
    • Dimensions: Height: 3-4 feet, Width: 1-2 feet
    • Plant Type: Herb, herbaceous perennial, native plant, wildflower
    • Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous, alternate, simple, dark green, scabrous
    • Habit/Form: Erect
    • Growth Rate: Rapid
    • Maintenance: Low
    • Texture: Coarse
    • Cultural Conditions:
      • Light: Full sun to partial shade
      • Soil Texture: Clay, high organic matter, loam, sand, shallow rocky
      • Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0)
      • Soil Drainage: Good drainage, moist, occasionally dry
      • Available Space: 12 inches-3 feet
      • USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 3a-8b
    • Seeds produced in the center cone are small, dark, four-sided achenes that are attractive to birds.
    • Flowers:
      • Color: Brown/copper, gold/yellow, orange, pink, purple/lavender, red/burgundy, white
      • Inflorescence: Head
      • Good cut, good dried, showy
      • Bloom Time: Summer
      • Shape: Radial
      • Petals: 7-20 petals/rays
      • Size: 3-6 inches
      • Description: Flowers occur singly atop stiff stems, with domed, purplish-brown, spiny disc flowers in the center and drooping, lavender rays around them.
    • Landscape Location: Meadow, naturalized area, recreational play area, woodland
    • Landscape Theme: Butterfly garden, children's garden, cottage garden, cutting garden, drought-tolerant garden, native garden, pollinator garden, rain garden, rock garden
    • Design Feature: Border, mass planting, small groups
    • Attracts: Bees, butterflies, pollinators, songbirds
    • Resistance: Deer, drought, dry soil, heat, humidity, poor soil, salt

    Some common types of Echinacea plants:

    • Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): This is the most common type of coneflower. It has large, purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer to fall. Coneflowers are native to North America and are found in prairies and open woodlands.
    • Pale coneflower (Echinacea pallida): This type of coneflower has pale purple flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. It is slightly smaller than the purple coneflower.
    • Orange coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa): This type of coneflower has orange flowers that bloom in mid-summer to fall. It is the smallest of the three common types of coneflowers.
    • Coneflowers are easy to grow and are deer resistant. They are a good choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

    Here are some tips for growing coneflowers:

    • Plant coneflowers in full sun or partial shade.
    • Plant coneflowers in well-drained soil.
    • Water coneflowers regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
    • Fertilize coneflowers once a year in the spring.
    • Deadhead coneflowers encourage more blooms.

    Coneflowers are a great addition to any garden. They are beautiful, easy to grow, and attract pollinators.

    There are two main ways to plant Echinacea: from seeds or from established plants (seedlings or transplants). Each method has its own advantages and considerations:

    Here are the general steps for planting Echinacea, regardless of whether you are using seeds or established plants:

    The best time to plant Echinacea is in the spring, after the last frost, or in the fall, before the first frost. However, you can also plant container-grown Echinacea throughout the summer.

    • Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Echinacea can tolerate partial shade but will bloom best in full sun.
    • Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
    • Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots if they are pot bound. Place the plant in the hole and fill it in with soil, tamping gently. Water deeply.

    Aftercare:

    • Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting and during hot, dry periods.
    • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
    • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
    • Divide plants every 3-5 years to keep them healthy and vigorous.

    Echinacea comes in a dazzling array of varieties; each offering unique features to brighten your garden and attract pollinators. Here is a breakdown of some popular types:

    By Color:

    • Purple: The classic! Echinacea purpurea, the "Purple Coneflower," reigns supreme with its vibrant purple hues. Cultivars like Pow Wow White and Coconut Lime offer delightful variations in shades and petal shapes.
    • Orange: Bring a fiery touch with Echinacea paradoxa, also known as the "Orange Coneflower." Its coppery petals are a showstopper, and hybrids like Tangerine Dream and Art's Pride add even more diversity.
    • Yellow: Sunny and cheerful, Echinacea pallida brings a touch of sunshine to your garden. Look for cultivars like Golden Harvest and Coralie for stunning yellow blooms.
    • Pink: Delicate and charming, pink coneflowers add a softer touch. Check out Pink Double Delight and Milkshake for their delightful shades and double blooms.
    • Other: Not limited to the basic palette, Echinacea boasts varieties in red, peach, green, and even multi-colored! Explore Cheyenne Spirit for its vibrant reds, Mellow Yellow for its butter-yellow charm, and Green Twister for its unique greenish-magenta petals.

    By Form:

    • Single Bloom: The traditional daisy-like form with prominent central cones, perfect for attracting butterflies and bees.
    • Double Bloom: Layers of petals create a fuller, showier flowerhead, like Pink Double Delight and Magnus.
    • Cone Shape: Some varieties, like Green Jewel, have a more prominent central cone, emphasizing their geometric beauty.

    By Height:

    • Tall: For dramatic impact, choose varieties like Double Scoop and Sombrero Salsa Red that reach 3-5 feet.
    • Medium: Most coneflowers fall in this range (2-3 feet), offering versatility for various garden designs.
    • Short: Perfect for edging or rock gardens, compact varieties like Baby Blues and Kimberley stay under two feet.

    Bonus:

    • Native vs. Hybrid: Native species like E. purpurea and E. pallida provide vital pollen and nectar for insects, while hybrids offer broader color ranges and blooming times. Consider your priorities when choosing!

    No matter your taste or garden size, there is an Echinacea variety waiting to add its magic. Explore, experiment, and discover the perfect coneflower companions for your green haven!

    Caring for Echinacea in your garden is relatively easy, and these beauties will reward you with vibrant blooms and attract pollinators throughout the season. Here is a guide to keep your coneflowers thriving:

    Sunshine and Soil:

    • Sun: Echinacea craves sunshine! Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. They might tolerate some shade, but blooms may be less plentiful.
    • Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. They can handle poor soil to some extent, but soggy conditions are a no-go. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.

    Watering and Feeding:

    • Watering: Newly planted Echinacea needs regular watering, about an inch per week, until established. Once mature, they are quite drought-tolerant, only needing occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
    • Fertilizing: Generally, Echinacea does not require heavy fertilization. A light top dressing of compost or a slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.

    Maintenance and Pruning:

    • Deadheading: Pinching off spent blooms (deadheading) encourages continued flowering throughout the season. However, leaving some seed heads can attract birds and add winter interest.
    • Dividing: Every 3-5 years, dividing mature clumps helps maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This is best done in spring or fall.
    • Cutting back: In late fall or winter, you can cut back the stems to about six inches above the ground. This is optional, but it helps remove old growth and prevent winter damage.

    Additional Tips:

    • Taller varieties may need staking for support, especially in windy locations.
    • Echinacea is generally pest- and disease-resistant, but watch out for occasional issues like powdery mildew and leafhoppers.
    • Mulching around the base of your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.

    With this simple care routine, your Echinacea plants will bloom beautifully for years to come, adding vibrant pops of color and attracting a buzzing symphony of pollinators to your garden. Enjoy watching these cheerful flowers grace your space!

    Echinacea plants are absolute magnets for pollinators! Their bright colors, open flower heads, and abundant nectar make them irresistible to a wide range of buzzing, flitting, and fluttering friends. Here is why they are such pollinator favorites:

    Visual Appeal:

    • Bold Colors: Echinacea's vibrant hues like purple, orange, yellow, and pink act as beacons for pollinators, guiding them to the pollen and nectar feast within.
    • Open Blooms: The daisy-like flower heads with prominent central cones provide easy access for a variety of pollinators, from long-tongued bumblebees to delicate butterflies.

    Nectar Feast:

    • Nectar Riches: Echinacea produces copious amounts of sweet nectar, a delicious reward for pollinators searching for energy. This readily available fuel keeps them coming back for more.
    • Long Blooming: Many Echinacea varieties bloom for an extended period, from mid-summer to early fall, offering a reliable source of food for pollinators throughout the season.

    Pollinator Paradise:

    • Bee Bonanza: Bumblebees, honeybees, and other long-tongued bees adore Echinacea's accessible nectar and pollen. Their fuzzy bodies act as perfect pollen carriers, ensuring cross-pollination and fruit production in nearby plants.
    • Butterfly Ballet: Delicate butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, and fritillaries find the open landing pads of Echinacea flowers ideal for sipping nectar and basking in the sun.
    • Hummingbird Haven: Ruby-throated hummingbirds love the rich nectar of Echinacea, hovering gracefully around the blooms to fuel their energetic flights.

    Benefits Beyond Beauty:

    • Habitat Haven: Echinacea plants not only provide food but also shelter for pollinators. Their sturdy stems and dense foliage offer protection from predators and harsh weather.
    • Ecosystem Enhancers: By attracting a diverse range of pollinators, Echinacea contributes to a healthy ecosystem, promoting plant reproduction and fruit set in nearby gardens and natural areas.

    So, planting Echinacea in your garden is not just about adding beautiful blooms; It is about creating a welcoming haven for the vital pollinators that sustain our ecosystems. These vibrant flowers will not only brighten your space but also contribute to a thriving tapestry of life, buzzing with the joyful symphony of nature's busy workers.

    While Echinacea is generally considered a tough and resilient plant, It is not entirely immune to pests and diseases. Here are some common issues you might encounter:

    Pests:

    • Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cluster on stems and leaves, causing stunted growth and yellowing. Wash them off with water or use insecticidal soap if necessary.
    • Japanese beetles: These metallic beetles can munch on leaves and flowers. Handpick them or use traps to control their population.
    • Leafhoppers: These jumping insects can transmit Aster yellows disease, which causes stunted growth and distorted flowers. Use insecticidal soap or insecticidal oil to control them.
    • Thrips: These tiny insects feed on flower buds and can cause distorted blooms. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for control.

    Diseases:

    • Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes white powdery patches on leaves, which can stunt growth and reduce flowering. Fungicides can be used as a preventative measure or to treat early infections.
    • Leaf spots: Various fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause brown or tan spots on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves to prevent spread.
    • Stem rots: These fungal diseases can cause stems to rot and wilt, eventually killing the plant. Good drainage and avoiding overwatering are essential for prevention.
    • Aster yellows: This viral disease transmitted by leafhoppers causes stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted flowers. There is no cure, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.

    General Tips:

    • Choose healthy plants: When buying Echinacea, inspect the leaves and stems for signs of pests or diseases.
    • Provide good growing conditions: Plant Echinacea in well-draining soil and full sun to promote strong growth and resistance to disease.
    • Practice good sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant material to prevent the spread of disease.

    Monitor your plants regularly: Early detection and intervention can help prevent pest and disease problems from becoming severe.

    By following these tips and providing proper care, you can help your Echinacea plants thrive and avoid most common pests and diseases. Remember, healthy plants are less susceptible to problems, so focus on creating a favorable environment for your Echinacea to flourish.

    Echinacea makes a stunning addition to floral arrangements, adding vibrant pops of color and textural interest. They are versatile and can be used in various styles, from rustic and boho to modern and elegant. Here is why you should consider incorporating Echinacea into your next floral creation:

    Beauty and Variety:

    • Colorful Blooms: Echinacea comes in a dazzling array of hues, from classic purple and orange to cheerful yellows and pinks. You can choose a single-color palette or mix and match for a vibrant explosion of color.
    • Unique Forms: Their daisy-like blooms with prominent central cones add a distinctive dimension to your arrangements. Some varieties even boast double blooms or unique petal shapes for even more visual intrigue.

    Long-Lasting Appeal:

    • Fresh Cut Flowers: Echinacea has excellent vase life, lasting up to two weeks with proper care. Simply cut stems at an angle and keep them in clean water with flower food to enjoy their beauty for days.
    • Dried Beauties: Once the blooms fade, the seed heads become fascinating sculptural elements. Leave them on the stems for natural winter interest or cut and dry them for long-lasting decorative accents.

    Versatility and Style:

    • Focal Point or Filler: Echinacea's bold blooms can serve as a captivating focal point in your arrangement. Alternatively, their smaller varieties can be used as charming filler flowers amongst other blooms.
    • Style Harmony: Their rustic charm works beautifully in wildflower-inspired arrangements, while their elegant forms can complement more sophisticated styles. They are equally at home in cottage gardens and modern centerpieces.

    Bonus Tips:

    • Combine with contrasting textures: Pair Echinacea with delicate foliage like ferns or airy baby's breath for a dynamic mix.
    • Experiment with heights: Use taller Echinacea varieties in the back and shorter ones towards the front for a layered effect.
    • Get creative with containers: Rustic baskets, vintage vases, or mason jars can enhance the Echinacea's natural charm.

    So, go ahead and unleash your creativity! Echinacea's beauty, versatility, and long-lasting appeal make it a fantastic choice for adding a touch of nature's magic to your floral arrangements.

    The "invasiveness" of Echinacea depends on several factors, including the specific species and variety, the local environment, and how It is managed. Here is a breakdown:

    Generally, not invasive:

    • Native species: Echinacea is native to North America, and most species like E. purpurea (purple coneflower) and E. pallida (pale coneflower) are not considered invasive in their native range. They are adapted to the local ecosystem and do not typically spread aggressively.
    • Cultivated varieties: Many cultivated Echinacea varieties are hybrids designed for specific traits like flower color or petal shape. These hybrids often have reduced seed production and spread ability compared to native species, making them less likely to become invasive.

    Potential for invasiveness:

    • Specific varieties: Some cultivated varieties, particularly those with high seed production, can become invasive in certain environments. For example, E. 'Kimberley' is known to spread readily in some areas.
    • Disturbed habitats: Echinacea can be more prone to spreading in disturbed habitats like open fields or roadsides where it faces less competition from other plants.
    • Lack of management: If Echinacea is not managed properly, such as by allowing it to self-seed freely, it can potentially become invasive in some situations.

    Recommendations:

    • Choose native species or varieties with low seed production.
    • Plant Echinacea in well-maintained gardens with appropriate spacing.
    • Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.
    • Monitor your Echinacea plants and remove any unwanted seedlings.

    By understanding the factors that influence Echinacea's invasiveness and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about it taking over your garden or the local ecosystem.

    The best time to divide Echinacea plants depends on your climate and preferred planting season. Here are the two main options:

    • Early Spring (ideally before new growth emerges): This is the optimal time for warmer climates (zones seven and above) where winters are mild. The cooler soil temperatures in spring help reduce transplant shock and allow the divided plants time to establish before hot weather sets in.
    • Late Fall (after flowering and before the first frost): This is a good option for cooler climates (zones six and below) where harsh winters might damage dividing Echinacea in spring. The roots have stored energy from the growing season and can focus on establishing before winter dormancy.

    Considerations:

    • Avoid dividing during the heat of summer: It is too stressful for the plants and reduces their chances of success.
    • Bloom timing: If you prioritize late blooms, dividing in early spring might delay flowering slightly.
    • Local weather: Adapt your timing based on your specific frost dates and temperature fluctuations.

    Benefits of dividing Echinacea:

    • Promotes healthier growth: Overcrowded clumps can compete for resources and become weak. Dividing rejuvenates the plants and encourages more vigorous growth and blooms.
    • Propagates new plants: It is a cost-effective way to create more Echinacea for your garden or to share with friends and family.
    • Controls spacing: If your Echinacea has spread more than desired, dividing helps manage its size and maintain its decorative impact.

    Remember, regardless of when you choose to divide your Echinacea, proper care is crucial for their success. Prepare the soil, water regularly, and provide adequate sunlight to help them adapt and thrive in their new locations.