Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Rudbeckia purpurea

Native to North America. There are many known varieties of this plant, about forty in its homeland, but the most widespread in our conditions are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. The plant typically grows 80-100 cm tall. The entire perennial is hairy. The flowers are large and striking, with a prominent central disc. They are usually about 10 cm wide.

Purple coneflower (Rudbeckia purpurea) is the most commonly cultivated. Less commonly grown is narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia). It features narrower leaves, shorter and curved petals, and a taproot. Shining coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida) is a magnificent yellow-orange flowering herb suitable for both standalone and mixed beds. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a popular annual or short-lived perennial, reaching up to 90 cm in height. Flowers are yellow, orange-yellow, or brown-red striped. Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is among the most valuable garden perennials. It grows to 70-120 cm but remains sturdy. It blooms relatively late, with the main flowering period in August to September. Giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima) captures attention with its truly enormous growth and massive grey-green leaves. Expect it to easily reach 2.5 m.

Coneflower contains a wide spectrum of active substances – flavonoids, polyacetylene compounds, polysaccharides, terpene hydrocarbons, vitamins.

Coneflowers combine perfectly with phlox or white coneflower. Ornamental grasses are also suitable; the combination of coneflower with sedge or millet works very well. They are suitable for both mixed and standalone plantings.

How to grow coneflowers

• Requires a sunny location. Tolerates drought. Water only during extreme drought. Coneflower can also be grown in a pot, but requires annual repotting. In the bed, we grow it as a perennial.

• Sow seeds in March in a cold frame or indoors by a window. For germination, a temperature between 16-18°C is suitable. Plant seedlings at a distance of about 60 cm in early spring. Small plants usually bloom only in the following year.

• Requires drier, well-drained soil.

• The plant does not require additional fertilization.

• Young plants are particularly threatened by slugs; also watch out for aphids. During prolonged rain, powdery mildew or grey mold may occur. Treat affected plants with special fungicides. Sometimes plants are threatened by nematodes, which can be eliminated by planting marigolds near the coneflowers.

• Leaves and flowers can be harvested from the second year onwards.