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Name: Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae) |
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This easy to grow hardy deciduous perennial produces purple flowers with orange/black centres in Summer. The purple petals initially open flat but gradually change to a downward pointing position as the flower ages. The dark centre consists of the true flowers and becomes a cone as the flower ages, and hence the common name. When planted en-masse, the purple flowers look quite stunning, especially if contrasted with yellow. It is ideally suited for the cottage / wildflower garden. Planting it with spring bulbs. The bulbs grow and flower when the Echinacea is dormant, filling in the space and providing colour in Spring. Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida are used widely as herbal remedy for Winter colds as well as to strengthen ones immune system. Echinacea was widely used by native Americans as a medicinal herb. Click on any picture to enlarge.
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