Echinacea purpurea

The Coneflower, also known as Echinacea purpurea, is a unique and stunning herbaceous perennial that produces upright flower spikes up to 90cm tall. Its large purple open flowers bloom from late summer into autumn, making it a beautiful addition to any mixed border. This plant is hardy and can thrive in full sun or semi-shade. It is native to the United States and was previously known as Rudbeckia purpurea due to its similarities with the Rudbeckia plant.

• Height:Easily maintained to 60cm
• Spread:Easily maintained to 50cm
• Foliage Colour:Green
• Flower Colour:White
• Flowering Season:Summer and Autumn
• Soil Type:Moist, well drained, sandy, loam, clay
• Position:Full Sun – Partial Shade
• Hardiness:Fully Hardy once established, H5 (down to -10)
• Type:HerbaceousPerennial

Echinacea purpurea has dark green leaves and strong, upright stems that branch out early to reveal impressive daisy-like flowers with long, narrow petals in a rich purple/cerise color. The most iconic feature of this flower is the large, domed mound in the center, which is a vibrant orange/brown color and gives the plant its name, ‘Cone Flower’. These plants are typically found in the prairies of America and are accustomed to growing in poor soils with competition from other plants. As a result, they prefer well-drained soils and full sun, making them a great addition to mixed borders with other perennials. Echinacea blooms from mid to late summer.

One of the most exciting things for gardeners about Echinacea is the wide range of varieties that have been bred and crossed to create unique and diverse options. While many varieties may seem similar at first, the key is to pay attention to the flowering heights. Echinacea purpurea is one of the tallest, reaching up to 120cm. However, there are now options ranging from 40-50cm up to 120cm, with a variety of colors from purple and pink to white. Some standouts include the bright orange and yellow forms found in the mixed strain of Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit and the unique purple, green, and cream flowers of Echinacea Green Twister.

In addition to its beauty, Echinacea purpurea also has medicinal uses. Native Americans used it to treat burns, wounds, bites, and other ailments. Today, it is commonly used as an alternative medicine to help boost the immune system.