Echinacea purpurea ‘Milkshake’ (Coneflower)

Very floriferous, Echinacea purpurea ‘Milkshake’ (Coneflower) is an eye-catching perennial boasting a profusion of double creamy-white flowers adorned with a prominent cone and a skirt of drooping ray petals. Blooming from early summer until early fall, the blossoms are held high on strong, sturdy stems, and they do not age until fall. They show no signs of browning or petal discoloration. Each mature plant can hold up to 40-50 blooms. Perfect for perennial borders, prairies or cottage gardens where Milkshake will light up the evening with its glowing white petals.

• Grows up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
• 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. 
• No serious pest or disease issues. Double flowers may not be as attractive to butterflies and birds as single flowers. Deer resistant.
• Remove spent flowers and cut back the stems to encourage further blooms. Deadheading will help them grow and thrive.
• Propagate by 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.