Echinacea
Genus Echinacea
Family Asteraceae
So many times in our present world we hear about Echinacea and its healing properties. Many take it in pill form. Echinacea is one of the most beautiful perennial flowers that can be added to your perennial flower bed.
Examples
There are many genus of Echinacea. Wikipedia lists the following:
• Echinacea angustifolia - Narrow-leaf Coneflower
• Echinacea atrorubens - Topeka Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea laevigata - Smooth Coneflower, Smooth Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea pallida - Pale Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea paradoxa - Yellow Coneflower, Bush's Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea purpurea - Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea sanguinea - Sanguin Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea simulata - Wavyleaf Purple Coneflower
• Echinacea tennesseensis - Tennessee Coneflower
E. angustsifolia and E. purpurea are the most common varieties grown in the home flower bed.
Special Features
Echinacea was used by the Native Americans more than any other plant in the plains states. It has been used to treat snake and insect bites, to bathe burns and to help cure the “sweats.” It has also been used by the Native Americans for purification.
The roots are the part of this plant used for medicinal purposes, to ward off infections, to help the body’s healing process and immune system. The leaves and the flowers can be used in teas as well.
Echinacea is not a fragrant flower, but it’s big beautiful blooms are a wonderful addition around your home. They work very well as a cut flower for arrangements.
Hardiness
Echninacea is hardy in Zones 3-9. Echinacea is a hardy perennial.
Growth Habit
Echinacea will grow to be between 12–24 inches in height. It is not an invasive plant, but the leaves will grow 3-8 inches long and it is a nice “bushy” plant.
Bloom Time
The plants will start blooming in early summer and continue until late in the summer. The flowers are beautiful big blossom approximately 3-4 inches across.
Propagation
I have found Echinacea very easy to propagate by seed. I will typically start the seeds indoors, although they can be planted outside. Surrounding air temperature for germination should be close to 70°F. Starting seeds in cells is a simple way to start the seeds.
When Echinacea plants get to be 4-5 years old, it is best to dig them up and divide them and replant in a good soil.
Transplanting
Transplanting when the soil is warm and the last danger of frost is almost always successful. Plant the seedlings 18 – 24 inches apart. They will need the room.
Soil and Sunlight
pH in the soil can range from 5.5 for E. purpurea to 8 for E. angustifolia.
Echinacea likes full sun, but some light shade will work as well.
Echinacea needs a fertile, well drained soil to thrive, especially in the first year.
Care
Echinacea is an easy perennial to care for. As with most plants, you will spend the most time in the early days right after transplanting giving your plants the most care. The seedlings will do best with a soil temperature of 70°F. Mulching will be very important to Echinacea in its first year as it does not do well competing with other plants.
Harvest flowers in the early morning after dew has past or in the dusk of evening. If you would like to grow this as an herb and use its roots, the plant will need to grow for a minimum of three years before harvesting is successful.
Pests and Disease
The main problem you will face with Echinacea is weeds. Echinacea is not a competitive plant and weeds can choke it out easily in its first year. Mulch heavily and hoe often around it. Once it is established you will not have this problem.
References
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
by Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton (Editors)