#1 Gallon
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is a genus of hardy, drought-tolerant herbaceous perennials (3–5 ft tall) in the sunflower family, primarily native to North American prairies. Known for their distinctive spiky, central cone surrounded by drooping, pink, purple, or white ray florets, these plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are widely used in gardens to attract pollinators and for their immune-boosting properties in herbal medicine.
Key Aspects of Echinacea
Growth and Appearance: The plant features rough-hairy stems with ovate leaves. The "cone" is actually a head of spiky, prickly discs, with the name derived from the Greek word echinos (hedgehog).
Best Growing Conditions: Echinacea grows best in full sun and well-drained, average soil, with a preferred pH between 6.5 and 7.2. They are drought-tolerant once established.
Popular Varieties: Echinacea purpurea (Eastern Purple Coneflower) is the most common, but other species like E. angustifolia (Narrow-leaf) and various hybrids offer colors from white to yellow and orange.
Maintenance: They are easy to grow but can be short-lived perennials, sometimes requiring division every 3-4 years. Deadheading encourages more blooms.
Medicinal Uses: Often used in teas, extracts, and capsules, Echinacea is known for supporting immune system function, particularly in treating or preventing colds and flu.
Uses in the Landscape: These plants are excellent for prairie-style gardens, pollinator gardens, and as cut flowers, blooming from mid-summer until frost.