One of the most well-known prairie flowers is perhaps the echinacea, or coneflower. It is native to the prairies of North America and is well-known across the world for its therapeutic benefits and adaptability as a cut flower. Echinacea occurs naturally in ten different species, but the horticulture industry has produced many hybrids. Unlike hybridized echinacea, which can be red, orange, pink, green, or even multicolored, native echinacea only occurs in purple, pale purple, or yellow. But other than color, what distinguishes these new coneflowers? Are there any drawbacks to use synthetic plants instead of native ones?
The Echinacea pallida that grows in our area always has slender, reflexed petals and a light purple color.
A hybrid coneflower called “Julia” with bright orange blossoms on sturdy stems. Picture provided by Walter’s Gardens.
How many shades of Echinacea are available?
Most likely, when you think of echinacea, you picture the common purple coneflower, which attracts both pollinators and herbalists as well as wildflower enthusiasts all around the world.
But hold on. Which is that? You want more variety, right? blooms emerging in every hue of the rainbow?
Echinacea blossoms come in a stunning array of colors, ranging from white, yellow, and mild peach to vivid orange, pink, and red, though pinkish-purple may be the most common. If green is more your style, you can even find that.
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You’ll find exactly what you’re searching for here, whether you prefer subdued pastels or a vibrant burst of strong, highly saturated color.
I have selected 17 of my favorite Echinacea purpurea cultivars in just about every color to help you narrow down your search for the ideal cultivars to grow in your yard.
Additionally, they range widely in terms of maturity height, bloom type (including single- and double-bloomed types), and selections suitable for both container and in-ground planting.
Obtain your gardening journal, and begin to daydream. Let’s look at some of the greatest echinacea varieties to grow in your garden.
What hues do coneflowers come in?
Coneflowers come in a variety of colors these days, such as cherry red, gold, rose pink, coral, and tangerine orange. Bicolor beauty is also abundant. Look for rose and orange tones in “Big Sky Summer Sky” coneflower or orange and gold blends on “Flame Thrower” coneflower. The “Mamma Mia” coneflower offers a variety of colors as its blossoms open and fade, such as red, orange, pink, and coral tones. Before making a purchase of bicolor coneflowers, it is a good idea to inspect the plants in person. Occasionally, shadings in real life differ from those in photographs. Tones can occasionally differ according on growing conditions and geographical locations.
Look for dwarf coneflowers like “Kim’s Knee-High,” “Pixie Meadowbrite,” or “Elton Knight” that have full-sized flowers. You receive even more blooms with the Dixie coneflowers because they also have short height, full-sized flowers, and many crowns on each plant. Under 24 inches, dwarf coneflowers put on their show.
All coneflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, regardless of whether you’re caring for fresh introductions or time-honored favorites. Coneflowers may tolerate drought after they are established, but throughout the growing season, they will do best with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. In the winter, new hybrids are particularly vulnerable to soils with inadequate drainage. In typical winter conditions, many gardeners report losing younger coneflowers. Usually, heavy, damp winter soil rather than low temperatures is the issue in these situations. If the native soil in your area drains poorly, add compost or create raised beds.
Echinacea ‘Evan Saul’
Coneflower ‘Evan Saul’, which is also sold under the name ‘Big Sky Sundown,’ opens with beautiful orange blossoms and a sweet scent. A one-year-old plant should produce 60 or more blossoms.
The more or less sterile blooms of the new coneflower breeds extend the vase’s color’s life even farther. Pollinators such beneficial insects, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are attracted to all types of coneflowers. In the winter, if you leave spent flowerheads on the plants, hungry goldfinches will come to eat the seeds as a reward.
Last but not least, young coneflowers can occasionally be seen in your yard with cones that are budding leaves or even green petals. While it may be tempting to believe you have found the “next new coneflower,” you are likely only suffering from aster-yellows illness, which is brought on by an insect-transmitted phytoplasma that is akin to a virus. Dig up and remove the afflicted plants. They won’t make you famous; instead, they’ll infect other plants and act as a source of aster-yellows.
Which Echinacea plant is the best?
Echinaceas, which have daisy-like blossoms in a variety of colors, must be the pinnacle of prairie perennials.
They are also really simple to grow. They should bloom in any rich, well-drained soil in a south- or west-facing location from mid-summer to mid-autumn. The pollen, nectar, and seedheads that the flowers produce will be beneficial to both pollinators and birds.
New echinacea types are being created all the time, in part due to the rebirth of prairie-style planting. For a prairie border, try mixing them with some of these best plants.
Echinaceas can also be planted in pots and containers—for inspiration, take a look at this vibrant late-summer pot.
The double variation “Southern Belle” has outside ray florets that resemble skirts and a ruffled center.
Echinacea ‘Magnus’
Flowers on Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ are a deep purple-pink color. Compared to the parent species, where the petals appear more swept back, especially as they age, the huge petals are held on a more horizontal plane. 75cm H x 45cm S.
Echinacea ‘White Swan’
Beautiful cultivar “White Swan” features all-white petals with golden-yellow centers. This variety pairs well with plants of any color because to its white blossoms. 60cm H x 45cm S.
Echinacea ‘Art’s Pride’
The thin petals and warm butternut hues of “Art’s Pride” make this cultivar stand out. And to top it all off, the blossoms have a faint scent. 60cm H x 60cm S.
Echinacea ‘Sombrero Salsa Red’
The “Sombrero” series, which all have confined growth patterns, sizable blooms, and broad outer petals, includes “Sombrero Salsa Red.” Rich red petals with chestnut brown centers characterize the flower variety “Sombrero Salsa Red.” 50 cm H x 60 cm S.
Echinacea ‘Southern Belle’
The double variation “Southern Belle” has outside ray florets that resemble skirts and a ruffled center. The center ruffle grows larger and more dramatic as the blossoms ripen. creates a beautiful cut flower. 50cm H x 50cm S.
Echinacea ‘Golden Skipper’
Compact cultivar “Golden Skipper” has blooms that are a deep yellow color. This fast-grower is useful if you need to quickly fill a gap. 45 cm H x 45 cm S.
Echinacea ‘Milkshake’
Echinacea “Milkshake” is a stunning double cultivar with blooms that are milky in color. The center of young blooms is orange, but it gradually goes away as the flower ages. Perfect for the border’s center. 70cm H x 50cm S.
Echinacea ‘Sunset’
Consider “Sunset” if you’re looking for a more mild cultivar. It belongs to the “Big Sky” series, a collection of hybrids between Echinacea paradoxa and Echinacea purpurea. The subtle dusky crimson color of the blossoms gradually fades as they ripen. 100 cm x 60 cm x 100 cm
Echinacea ‘Irresistible’
An attractive double variety with pink-orange blooms. The tiny cultivar “Irresistible” is ideal for weaving between other plants in the middle and front of borders. 60cm H x 45cm S.
Echinacea ‘Hot Lava’
‘Scorching Lava’ features fiery red blooms that are perfect for a hot border. Consider combining with plants like heleniums and kniphofias, or for more inspiration, see our section on plants for a hot border. 80 cm x 40 cm x 80 cm.
Echinacea ‘Mooodz Awake’
This fast-growing, small variety with pink flowers has vibrant magenta blooms. The flowers, like the majority of echinaceas, have strong stems that shouldn’t need any further support. 50cm H x 45cm S.
Echinacea ‘Rainbow Marcella’
Echinacea ‘Rainbow Marcella’ has vivid, lava-colored blossoms that transform into dusky raspberry as they age. Find additional plants to grow that have orange blossoms. 45 cm H x 60 cm S.
Does yellow echinacea exist?
The purple daisy-like rays and chocolate or black core cones of the echinacea (coneflower) are its most distinctive features. Although there are other coneflowers that come in hues other than purple, they are all hybrids. The sole species of Echinacea paradoxa (Yellow Coneflower) in the genus has yellow flowers.
Natural Americans in North America held this native plant in high regard and it is being utilized today as a therapeutic herb. It is the ideal enhancement for rain gardens, meadows, pollinator gardens, and wildflower gardens.
What distinguishes coneflower from echinacea?
One of the three distinct genera referred to as coneflowers is echinacea. Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea are two well-known members of the Echinacea genus. Purple coneflowers, or (more ambiguously) plain coneflowers, is the common name for members of the Echinacea species. The only coneflower genus that most people are familiar with by name is the Echinacea one because of its reputation as a medicinal plant.
How many hues are there in a coneflower?
Echinacea, sometimes known as coneflower, is one of the greatest flowering perennials for sunny locations and is easy to grow. All summer long, these stunning plants produce wave after wave of blossoms despite the heat and drought. Additionally, coneflowers are a favorite food of butterflies, who will swarm to your yard to feast on the nectar-rich blossoms. The hues of coneflowers range from pink through red, orange, white, and yellow. Although there are also double- and triple-flowered variations, the majority of kinds feature enormous single-petaled blooms. Coneflowers are resistant to deer and grow to a height of 18 to 36 inches. tough from zones 3 through 8.
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Coneflower Growing Instructions
Coneflowers should be grown in an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They don’t care too much about the soil type, but they do like a rich, well-drained garden area. As soon as you notice that the faded flower heads are encouraging the growth of more flower stems, remove them. Coneflowers look fantastic in containers as well.
Is echinacea reintroduced annually?
Yes, because echinacea is such a prolific self-seeder, it will come back every year and frequently in the most unexpected places.
The perennial echinacea is resilient and can withstand extremely chilly winters. Plants go dormant in the winter and reappear in the spring; you should prune them back at this time for the summer.
An important component of the appeal of these perennial favorites is the ease with which they can be grown.
Echinacea plants have a lifespan.
All Echinacea species, with the exception of Echinacea purpurea, are deciduous herbaceous perennials. Echinacea grow in clumps that slowly increase and can be divided every few years to keep their vigor. Echinacea of the wild kind are often 2′ broad and 3–4′ tall. However, the eastern taxa are often smaller than the high-plain taxa from Texas to Canada. Modern hybrids range in height from less than a foot to three feet and are two feet wide. A single plant can live up to 40 years in the wild. Every four years is the ideal time to divide them in the garden.
Echinacea flowers, like all plants in the Asteraceae family, are actually inflorescences, which are made up of 200–300 disk florets, which are small, fertile florets that are grouped together on the cone. A ring of sterile ray florets, or what we call petals, surrounds the disk florets. The width of the entire inflorescence can range from 2″ to 5″. The ray florets’ main function is to draw pollinators to the disk florets, where pollination takes place, using their vibrant colors. A coneflower plant’s disk florets do not all release pollen (reach anthesis) at the same time, as may be seen by paying close attention to the plant. Over the course of many days, the florets in the center of the disk open first and then move outward in succession. You may use this procession to gauge how much longer your bloom will live by watching it.
The disk florets might be black, white, yellow, dark burgundy, or orange. Echinacea ray flowers typically have pinkish-purple or, less frequently, yellow or white florets. Petal colors including orange, peach, salmon, and reddish-orange can now be found in newer hybrids, which have overcome this color barrier. The petals of wild-type echinacea can be held outward, but they are typically reflexed to varied degrees downward. Although the petals might be broad and overlap one another, they are often thin with room in between. Modern breeders have made strong selections for hybrids with outward-held, broad, overlapping ray florets. While Echinacea simulata and several contemporary hybrids have exceptionally sweet scents, the wild-type Echinacea purpurea frequently has only a faint aroma.
A robust, rigid, hirsute (hairy), typically unbranched stem (peduncle) that is at least 36″ tall holds the inflorescence. Cultivars with spectacular, widely-branched flower stalks, including Echinacea ‘The King’ and Echinacea ‘Elton Knight,’ are the exception to the rule of the unbranched stems. Along the length of the flower stalk, there may be tiny leaves that are widely spaced. produced in a profusion of overlapping inflorescences beginning in July and lasting until the first frost. Up to a dozen inflorescences may be open at once as a result of the overall effect.
Does echinacea prefer shade or the sun?
Moderate/Watering: Full sun is ideal for flowering, though plants can take some light shade. Once established, these plants are highly drought-tolerant because to their deep taproots.
Echinacea purpurea may grow in a variety of soil types, although it likes sandy, well-drained loam with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. No additional fertilizer will be required if a few inches of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, is applied around the plants in the early spring.
Echinacea is rarely plagued by pests or illnesses, and none are severe enough to call for protective measures. Plants do draw beneficial insects, particularly soldier beetles that resemble fireflies and eat caterpillars and aphids.
Companion Plants: Dwarf Goldenrods (Solidago) and Salvia are excellent companions, as are perennial Geraniums, dwarf types of Catmint (Nepeta), and perennial Geraniums. Shorter perennials can conceal occasional legginess. Perovskia, Phlox, Sedum, Veronica, and Monarda are companion plants that grow taller.
Reflowering: Even without deadheading, echinacea has a lengthy bloom season, but this method will lead to more blooms. Early in the summer, plants can be pruned by half for a later blooming period but a more compact form. There are few sights more pleasant than watching the small, golden birds wave about as they pick up the seeds, so leave some seed heads to serve as food for goldfinches.
Plant transplantation and dividing: Because of the taproot, elder plants might be challenging to transplant. However, it is possible if you dig deeply and leave a substantial amount of soil around the roots.
Calendar of Care
Late Spring: Only if the climate is exceptionally dry or if the Coneflowers have just been planted, add extra water.
Summer: You can deadhead if you’d like, but remember to leave some seeds for the goldfinches. In August, keep an eye out for beneficial army beetles and avoid harming them. In June, plants can be pruned back by half for later-flowering, more compact growth.
Fall: In cooler climates, a light mulch is good. Because the seed heads feed hungry birds and accumulate snow into gorgeous tiny puffs, plants may survive the winter.