Echinacea aka Echinacea, Purple Coneflower

Taxonomy

Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. With ten species, these plants are native to eastern and central North America, thriving in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. Their large, showy heads of composite flowers bloom in the summer, adding beauty to gardens. The name Echinacea derives from the Greek word meaning "sea urchin" due to their spiny central disk. While some species are endangered, Echinacea purpurea is commonly used in traditional medicine. However, scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness and safety as a dietary supplement is insufficient. These compact, hardy perennials have strap-like green leaves and upright, hairy stems. Their red-orange daisy-like flowers change to pink then purple-red, surrounding a green central cone. They bloom from mid-summer and can last until autumn. Coneflowers are beloved by butterflies, bees, and birds, making them a valuable addition to any garden. With their raised cone-like centers, they attract butterflies and songbirds with their seeds. By leaving the seed heads after bloom, you can continue to enjoy their beauty and wildlife activity in your garden.

Common names

Echinacea, Purple Coneflower, Sombrero Coneflower

How to care for Echinacea, Purple Coneflower

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Echinacea, Purple Coneflower due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Echinacea, Purple Coneflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Echinacea, Purple Coneflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Echinacea, Purple Coneflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Echinacea, Purple Coneflower.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Echinacea, Purple Coneflower grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia