Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)
Similar
in appearance to the Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbekia
hirta),
the Purple Coneflower and its
three cousins, Black Sampson (E. angustifolia), Pale
Purple Coneflower (E. pallida) and E. atrorubens
(no common name), are members of the sunflower family or Compositae. The
Compositae have two kinds of flowers combined in one flower head -
strap-like ray flowers around the outside of the head and disk flowers in
the center of the head. The ray flowers make up what would be thought of
as the petals.
Height: 2-3 feet
Flower heads: pink/lavender petals surrounding an iridescent red-orange,
coned center
Germination: 15-30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70-75F
Sowing depth: 1/8"
Blooming period: June-October
Suggested use: Borders, meadows, mixtures, floral gardens.
Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements with a
vase life of 5 to 7 days. Propagation from root cuttings is reliable if
performed in the fall.
They are robust,
drought tolerant perennial, native to the midwestern and southeastern
United States. The flowers are arranged individually on sturdy, elongated
stems with soft lavender or purple petals surrounding an iridescent
red-orange, coned center. Prefers full sun to partial shade in fertile,
well-drained soils. Absolutely stunning!!! |