A beautiful flowering perennial that has many attributes, the coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a favourite in many local landscapes. Native to North America, these hardy perennials are known for their long lasting bloom times and easy care and maintenance. Of all the perennials available coneflowers are one of the longest blooming perennials. They will bloom for several weeks, especially when deadheaded.
Coneflowers have large daisy-like flowers with petals that grow downwards with a protruding centre cone. The flowers can be used as fresh cut flowers that last about a week or they can be dried for 'everlasting' bouquets. For something different, the flowers can be left to form seed heads. After the petals have dropped off, you will have a spiky seed head that is then snipped off the plant and added to a dry floral arrangement, giving it a different texture. If left on the plant, the seed head wont last long as it will be enjoyed by the birds. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies who are beneficial pollinators for other plants in the garden.
Coneflowers are easy to grow. They can be propagated from seed or division. Seed is started indoors in early spring and later transplanted outdoors when the plants are 8-10 centimetres tall. If you don't want to start your own seed, plants are available in the garden centre. After 3-4 years, when the plant has become established, it can be divided by root division to create new plants. Plant them in a cottage garden, border or cutting garden.
When planting coneflowers, choose a sunny, well-drained location. Poor drainage could result in root rot, which can kill the plant. They are not fussy about the type of soil and will grow well in poor soil in hot, windy locations. Once established, after the first year, it will not need a lot of care. They are drought tolerant and will survive with average rainfall. They are rarely bothered by pests. In instances of poor air circulation, they can get powdery mildew, a white powdery substance found on the plants foliage and stems.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) are well known in the world of herbal medicine and holistic health care offering many positive attributes. It is known for its ability to fight the common cold as well as numerous other ailments including urinary tract infections, migraines and skin bites.
This attractive, easy care perennial has been a popular choice for gardeners throughout the years.
