| August 2007 — Echinacea / Coneflower |
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| Wednesday, 01 August 2007 03:00 | ||
 Echinacea is a member of the Asteraceae family and native to eastern North America. The name comes from the Greek word echino, meaning 'spiny,' in reference to the spiny central disk. On the whole, Echinacea is a drought-tolerant perennial. The flowers are a composite inflorescence with florets arranged in a distinctive, cone-shaped head.Echinacea is widely believed to have many medicinal properties and it is especially valued as an herbal remedy to prevent the common cold. Echinacea plants prefer sunny locations in a good, fertile loam although they will do well in any decent soil. Otherwise, they need very little care and, being sturdy, no staking. Plants can be propagated through division, by taking cuttings of young shoots in spring, or by sowing seed. Unlike other plants, the seed from named varieties will produce plants that replicate the parents. There are a total of nine species of Echinacea, but the varieties commonly available are cultivars of Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower). Echinacea purpurea 'Double Decker' USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 40 inches The 'Double Decker' is so named because of the flowers that sprout on top of the cone, giving the effect of a frilly hat. As with most Echinacea, this plant is attractive to butterflies. It is also a long blooming plant and ideal as a cut flower. Although deadheading prevents seeding, the seedheads are attractive to birds and make an interesting feature in the wintertime garden. Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Mophead' USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 12 to 18 inches 'Kim's Mophead' is a white version of the popular purple coneflower and specifically, a white flowering version of E. purpurea 'Kim's Knee High." Generally growing to a maximum height of 13 to 16 inches, it is shorter than most other commercially available varieties of Echinacea. The drooping flowers surround a greenish cone. Good as a fresh cut or dried flower. This is an easy to grow perennial that is tolerant of drought, heat and humidity and a variety of soil types.
USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 30 inches Purple coneflower 'Magnus' was selected as the 1998 Perennial of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA). It has broad non-drooping petals of rosy purple surrounding a dark cone. Its taproot allows it to withstand dry conditions, and overly wet soils should be avoided. Attractive to butterflies and birds and an excellent choice as a cut flower. Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstern' USDA Zone 3 Mature Height: 36 inches Sometimes also referred to as 'Ruby Star,' this purple coneflower selection features large flowers up to four inches in diameter. The carmine red to purple rays, held more horizontally than the 'pupurea' make this a distinctive plant in any garden setting. Flower period is from June to August. Attractive to butterflies when in flower and to birds in the winter months. |
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