coneflower Interesting Notes

Uncommonly striking, Echinacea ‘Green Twister’ has a whimsical air with its watermelon colors of bright chartreuse transitioning to a carmine-red center. Although the color is unusual, what’s even more interesting is this strain is a natural mutation of Echinacea purpurea. Instead of an Echinacea hybrid, which usually have complaints of unreliable winter hardiness and regression in colors, ‘Green Twister’ is a seed variety discovered by Jelitto Seeds covered in sturdy, horizontally facing flowers growing 2-3’ tall. The plants have proven to be remarkably hardy and stalwart in the garden, providing a bit of fun without sacrificing the notable virtues of purple coneflower. The flowers greet you warmly and are a wonderful addition to any garden path or container where passerby can enjoy them. Introduced by Jelitto Perennial Seeds in 2017.

Ranging from Texas to New York, Echinacea purpurea can be found in moist prairies, meadows and open woods. As popular as they are in the landscape, coneflower is uncommon in the wild. They prefer full sun in fertile well-drained soil but one of the best features of Echinacea is the way it is able to tolerate drought, clay, high heat and humidity, part sun, and poor soils.

The flowers of coneflower provide multiple seasons of interest from summer while it blooms to fall and winter where the great seedheads are upright and structural. Butterflies and bees love the nectar of the flowers and goldfinches can’t help but flock to the seeds during the fall. While trialing ‘Green Twister’, we found the plant began flowering reliably by the first season of growth and was disease and pest resistant. Full growth at 3 years would provide a lovely, long lasting show and colorful flowers great for cutting.

Echinacea purpurea 'Green Twister' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Echinacea take a wide array of conditions from average dry soil to medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full sun. Plant flowers best in full sun. Low-maintenance and tolerates drought, humidity, heat, poor soil. Resistant to pest and disease but sometimes suspectible to aster yellows disease. To encourage longer bloom time, flower heads can be deadheaded but not necessary. Seedheads are a delightful source of food for birds. To propagate, divide clump in the spring every 4 years. Root cuttings are also successful. Propagation by seed does not usually come true to type. 

Good Substitutions

Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'

Echinacea paradoxa

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

Echinacea purpurea 'Mellow Yellows'