All of my life I have referred to Echinacea as purple coneflower.
But after visiting several trial gardens in other areas of the country, I might have to change.
While it is true that many of these plants have purple flowers, Echinacea has undergone some interesting transitions.
Purple coneflowers now come in white, green, orange, yellow, tangerine, coral and red, as well the traditional purple shades.
These perennials are cold hardy from Zones 3 to 9, depending on the species. They originated in North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Our native Western coneflower is a Rudbeckia, which is a different genus.
Echinacea's genus name comes from "echinos," meaning hedgehog, because the flower has a prickly center like the European creature. There are eight or nine species but Echinacea purpurea — or purple coneflower — is the most common. This popular plant is consistently among the top 10 herbaceous perennials sold in the United States.
All coneflowers have dark green, lance-shaped leaves that grow 4-8 inches long. The leaves get gradually smaller toward the top of the stems. The plants start blooming in midsummer and will continue to flower intermittently until they freeze.
Coneflowers are tolerant of most soils in Utah unless they are very alkaline or salty. They actually prefer soils with higher calcium levels, and they usually grow well without extra fertilizer if your soil is reasonably fertile.
Virtually every list of drought-tolerant plants has this plant on it, but it prefers moist, evenly drained soils. If the plants do not get enough water, they survive but do not look good.
They do not tolerate poor drainage, so watch the irrigation, particularly in heavy soils.
Fortunately, the heat-tolerant plants handle our summers well.
Depending on the kind, the plants grow to 36 inches high and spread to 2 feet wide. They grow in full sun to partial shade.
Proper spacing between plants will increase air circulation to keep leaves dry and help prevent the spread of diseases.
Most gardeners buy their plants from nurseries, but many can be started from seeds if they are not hybrids.
However, starting from seed is time-consuming, and it can take two years to get a sizable plant that blooms well. Existing plants can be divided every three to four years to get more plants and to keep the existing plants from overcrowding.
Divide the plants in the spring or the fall by digging the plant and cutting in into two, four or more pieces. Replant the divisions immediately and water them in well.
One reason these flowers are so popular is that they are reasonably carefree in the landscape.
They have sturdy stems, so they do not need staking. They are deer-resistant, so that makes them attractive to many gardeners.
Unlike most perennials, you do not need to cut these plants back immediately. The seed heads are attractive winter feed for some birds, so let them stay until spring.
If you like butterflies, adding these to your garden will attract some beautiful winged insects. Plant coneflowers in naturalized areas or as a taller perennials in your border areas.
These plants are relatively pest-free, but some cultivars develop powdery mildew in our area. Changing to a resistant cultivar is the best solution. Another problem is root rot. The various root rots are caused by overwatering and by poorly drained soils. Add organic matter to improve soil drainage and make certain the plants are not too wet through the winter.
Insects are not usually a problem, but occasionally aphids are. Wash the plants or use an insecticidal soap spray. Few other insects ever bother the plants.
Breeding and selection work has given gardeners choice new cultivars, including some of the newer hybrids (see chart below).
Keep in mind that flower and plant size are affected by soil fertility and watering practices.
There are many new hybrids between E. purpurea and other species.
Check the hardiness level and plant these in well-drained soils.
I love the names of some of these new types. "Mac 'n' Cheese" has golden yellow flowers and should go well at least on the menu with the red flowers of "Tomato Soup." "Pink Poodle" has large rounded double flowers while "Secret Romance" also has a different looking double flower.
The "Big Sky" series is available in many colors. "Big Sky Sunrise" has yellow flowers, "Big Sky Summer Sky" has soft peach flowers with a rose halo, and "Conefections Pink Double Delight" has a short habit with more consistent double flowers. All flowers in this series have a light rose-like fragrance to the blooms.
The Chicago Botanical Gardens has released the Meadowbrite series.
"Mango Meadowbrite" has orange-yellow petals with deeper yellow cones.
"Pixie Meadowbrite" grows 18 inches tall and 20-24 inches wide and is good for containers. "Orange Meadowbrite" has blood-orange blooms and is very free-blooming.
Regardless of what you call the plant, add some to your landscape. They will reward you with wonderful blossoms with a minimal effort, and you can enjoy their beauty year after year.
Selected Echinacea cultivars
Plant height and flower size depend on growing conditions
Cultivar ... Plant height ... Flower width ... Flower petal color ... Other
"Fatal Attraction" ... 18-24 inches ... 3-4 inches ... purple-pink ... Almost black stems
"Green Envy" ... 24-36 inches ... 4-5 inches ... light green/purple base ... Good, green bloom
"Magnus" ... 30-36 inches ... 4-5 inches ... rose-pink ... Reliable from seed
"Ruby Star" ... 30-36 inches ... 3-4 inches ... crimson-rose ... Large, flat flowers
"White Swan" ... 24-36 inches ... 3-4 inches ... white ... Reliable by seed, excellent cut flower
"Kim's Knee High" ... 12-18 inches ... 3-4 inches ... purple-rose ... More dwarf plant
"Bravado" ... 24-30 inches ... 4-5 inches ... rosy red
"Bright Star" ... 30-36 inches ... 4-5 inches ... copper orange ... Reproduce with cuttings or divisions
"Merlot" ... 24-30 inches ... 4-5 inches ... rose-pink ... Fragrant
"Harvest Moon" ... 24-30 inches ... 3.5-4 inches ... golden yellow ... Orange center cone
"Fragrant Angel" ... 24-30 inches ... 4-5 inches ... white ... Golden center
Larry A. Sagers is a horticulture specialist for the Utah State University Extension Service at Thanksgiving Point.