Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

White-cream petals, with golden-green central disks; a very worthwhile choice since it is one of the few showy white-blooming perennials for mid- to late-Summer bloom; leaves, petioles, and peduncles are also a lighter green color; unfortunately, this and other white-flowering cultivars (e.g. 'Alba') are not as vigorous, floriferous, tall, or cold-hardy as the pink-flowering forms. http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hcs/TMI/Plantlist/ec_purea.html

The dark cone at the centre shows its relationship to the purple variety, but these creamy white blossoms can stand on their own. A bit shorter and less vigorous than the purple variety but useful in the garden in sun or part shade. http://www.eseeds.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=7345&prmenbr=127

'White Swan' is a bit more sophisticated than its pink sister. An eye catching mid summer bloomer boasting white daisies with bronze-orange cones, it begs to be included in more daring color schemes. http://www.avantgardensne.com/echwhi

Botanists named the plant after the hedgehog (Echinus) to describe its prickly, conelike center. http://www.herbnet.com/echinacea.htm

Purple Coneflowers are a celebrated ornamental in the native garden. The dark pink petals that surround an orange center make this a superb cut flower. It attracts butterflies and small birds and is famous for its medicinal uses which include alleviating skin rashes and boosting the immune system. Though it prefers moist well-drained soil, it will tolerate dry conditions and grow in the open shade garden. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and looks excellent in the middle or back of a butterfly garden or in mass plantings in a prairie meadow garden. It makes a spectacular display that blooms seemingly without end from summer to fall. Plant with Pycnanthemum (mountain Mint), Rudbeckia (Missouri Black-eyed susan), Ratibida (Prairie coneflower) and Asters (Aromatic and New England). http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/ech.purp.htm

This prairie native has rose-purple 4-inch blooms with downward pointing petals and a prominent orange-tipped cone. It blooms from July-September and is a long lasting cut-flower. Echinacea is a tough, heat tolerant, easy to grow 3-foot perennial. A favorite flower of the Monarch butterfly. Sow in fall or spring. Winter hardy to zone 3. http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/echinacea.html

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Full sun in well drained soils. Prefers moist soils, but once established will tolerate dry soils. Does not benefit from additional fertility.