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Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 Height: 5 ft Spread: 2 ft Type: herbaceous perennial Flowers: Pink
Comments: The coneflowers are prominent because they have medicinal qualities but they also are east to grow and very attractive. The most common color is purple but selected cultivars come in yellow, light green and white. They can tolerate a single irrigation each month if needed but flower better if they are watered twice per month from June through August. Echinacea produces large, daisy-like, pink flowers with darker centers. The foliage is not very attractive so grow Purple Coneflower behind lower plants. The plant prefers a sunny location but flower colors may be brighter during hot weather if given light shade. The flowers may be used as a cut flower. The plant will tolerate poor or gravelly soil.
Propagation: Propagation is by division in spring or fall. Root cuttings and seed may also be used.
Cultivars:
'Alba' - White flowers.
'Bravado' - Larger rosy-red flowers with maroon centers.
'Bright Star' - Large, rosy-red blooms with maroon centers.
'Crimson Star' - Flat, crimson red flowers.
'Kim's Knee High' - A dwarf only 15 inches tall, pink flowers.
'Magnus' - Rose colored flowers on 3 foot tall plants.
'Ovation' - Single, rosy-pink flowers.
'White Swan' - White flowers on plants 3 feet tall or less.
References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Bailey Nurseries 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, White Flower Farm 1999, Lake County Nursery 1999, Wayside Gardens 1999, Studebaker Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Scarff's Nursery 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999, Willoway Nurseries 1999.
