About
This highly attractive, upright, perennial coneflower species from Kentucky and the neighbouring states, producing perfumed pink-purple blooms in summer. It is vulnerable because of the pharmaceutical value of its roots. Extremely attractive to pollinators and an excellent cut flower. The flowers have a large, dark brown central cone surrounded by long, narrow, drooping pale pink to purple petals.
About the genus
Echinacea are erect, clump-forming rhizomatous perennials with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and solitary, long-stalked daisies with prominent conical central disks and often drooping ray florets; attractive to butterflies
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in full sun. Surface sow onto moist but well drained seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite. Maintain at a temperature of 20-24C. Germination can be slow and irregular, cold stratify if germination does not occur. Transplant into pots when seedlings are large enough to handle. Take care when propagating by divison or root cuttings as they resent a lot of disturbance
PruningDeadhead to extend flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, division in Spring or Autumn or by root cuttings from late Autumn to early Winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free