Echinacea (Coneflower): How to Grow and Care with Success
Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea paradoxa, Echinacea tennesseensis
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae). The genus is native to eastern and central North America and includes nine species of herbaceous perennials.
Growth Habit: Echinacea plants typically grow to a height of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) and have a clumping growth habit. The leaves are usually lance-shaped or ovate
Flowers: Echinacea flowers are daisy-like, with a prominent central cone surrounded by petals that range in color from pink and purple to white, orange, or yellow.
Blooming Season: The blooming season typically occurs from early summer to early fall.
Hardiness: Most Echinacea plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Uses: Echinacea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is commonly used today as an herbal remedy to boost the immune system and treat colds and flu. It is also used in cosmetic products for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Echinacea is also a popular plant for gardeners due to its attractive flowers that can be used in bouquets and arrangements.
Why should I grow Echinacea?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider growing coneflower plants:
Attractive flowers: The colorful, daisy-like flowers are attractive and can add a splash of color to your garden.
Medicinal properties: For centuries, Echinacea has been utilized as a medicinal herb, and it continues to be a popular choice for boosting the immune system and treating colds and flu. By cultivating coneflower plants in your garden, you can easily harvest the plant for use in various herbal remedies, such as teas and tinctures.
Pollinator attraction: Echinacea flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Planting coneflowers in your garden can help support local pollinator populations.
Drought tolerance: Echinacea is a hardy perennial that is tolerant of drought once established. This makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with limited water resources.
Deer and rabbit resistance: Echinacea is generally not favored by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high populations of these animals.
Low maintenance: Echinacea is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care once established. This makes it a good choice for busy gardeners who don't have a lot of time to devote to their gardens.
Overall, Echinacea is an attractive and useful plant that can add beauty and function to your garden. Whether you're looking for an ornamental plant, a medicinal herb, or a pollinator attractant, Echinacea is a great choice.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 9
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9
|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Echinacea - Coneflower |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alex Manders, Shutterstock,
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 9
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9
|
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Echinacea - Coneflower |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |