Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Twister’ (Coneflower)

A very unusual Coneflower variety, Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Twister’ is noted for its large flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), with horizontally arranged lime-green petals that transition to pale lilac-pink and carmine near their central cone. Well branched, its numerous flowering stems are sturdy and held upright. Blooming from mid to late summer, sometimes with additional sporadic bloom until frost, this compact coneflower is perfect for small gardens and containers. Can be used in fresh cut or dried arrangements.

• Grows up to 36-40 in. tall (90-100 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Will freely self-seeds if at least some seed heads are left in place.
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant to drought, heat, and humidity.
• Perfect choice for beds and borders, prairies and meadows, wildflower gardens, or cottage gardens.
• Excellent as cut flowers. If flower heads are not removed in the fall, the blackened cones will be visited by birds that feed on the seeds.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but deer resistant.
• Remove spent flowers and cut back the stems to encourage further blooms.
• Propagate by seed, division in spring or fall, or by root cuttings from late fall to early winter.

Echinacea, commonly called Coneflower, has been cultivated as a hardy and showy perennial since the 1700s, both in North America and Europe. Truly an American plant, native to the central and eastern part of the country, it was used by the early Native Americans to cure wounds and infections. A great prairie flower, its bright and large blossoms made a successful transition to the backyard. Traditionally purple, with ray flowers that droop downward off the central cone, Coneflowers today enjoy a rich variety of colors and flower shapes with ray florets held horizontal, single or even doubled, giving them the look of Chrysanthemum. Easily grown from seed, they thrive on neglect.