Native purple coneflowers are blooming along Ozark roadsides. Our native coneflower, botanically known as Echinacea grows vigorously even under harsh growing conditions, and as a result many hybrids have been bred from the native plant.
In general, Echinacea spp. grows two to three feet tall, spreading about two feet wide. They prefer full-sun and well-drained soil. They grow across much of the U.S. in zones three to nine. They do not have any serious pests or diseases.
Blooming from late spring through much of the summer, Echinacea spp. will send up more blossoms later in the season if they are deadheaded after the initial bloom. Deadheading will also prevent reseeding of the plant.
A typical coneflower has dark green leaves, but “Sparkler” has a variegated leaf — cream and white. The blossom on Sparkler is traditional — thick deep pink petals with an orange cone in the center of the petals.
Less traditional in the coneflower petal department are “Razzmatazz” and “Doppelganger.”
Razzmatazz has the traditional pink, downward tilted petals and an orange cone on top. However the orange cone has a second set of pink petals growing from the top of the cone.
Doppelganger is a kind of “double” coneflower with two tiers of petals. Long downward tilting pink petals provide a base for a fluffy head of tiny, thick pink petals. All of the petals surround a small, dark orange center.
“Rocky Top” coneflowers are a hybrid with wiry stems and thin petals. These flowers act like sunflowers, following the sun all day long as they bloom.
A “Big Sky” series of hybrid coneflowers offer shades of yellow and orange. The cone is green with the beginning blossom and turns to gold as the flower matures.
“Sunrise” is one of these hybrids, and it has a light, sweet fragrance. Others in the “Big Sky” group are “Harvest Moon,” “Twilight,” “Sunset,” and “Sundown.”
“Vintage Wine” is a dark pink, almost red coneflower with a big, orange center. The petals on this coneflower stick straight out. It also offers healthy, thick foliage.
Due to their growing popularity, it’s easier than ever to find coneflowers in retail stores.
They are also available by mail order.
Bluestone Perennials, www.bluestoneperennials.com, is a website where you can find various coneflowers for your garden online.
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com.