Echinacea is also known as Cone Flower. As the flowers die-back the petals droop from the centre so it looks like a shuttlecock.
A great perennial for late summer colour that is loved by bees and butterflies. As well as the more commonly seen pink they also come in white, gold, orangey-red and pale green.
They originated on the North American plains so are happiest in well-drained soils with lots of sunshine. It also means Echinacea can withstand really cold temperatures. However, they really don’t like wet, winter soils.
As the clumps get bigger divide them to re-invigorate the plants. This is best done in Spring. When planted in the Autumn they don’t always establish themselves especially if it is a wet winter.
Great for prairie-style planting mixed with grasses or in traditional mixed and herbaceous borders.
