Garden Blog

Crazy About Coneflowers?

In the world of herbaceous perennials, Coneflowers (Echinacea) are a group that has become extremely popular over the last few years, with all signs pointing to continuing popularity. One major wholesale perennial producer in this country has plans to introduce six new varieties for the 2011 season alone. With the seemingly constant barrage of new introductions, it can be somewhat intimidating to select varieties that are going to be good performers in northern gardeners. Many of the varieties suggested below have a strong influence of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in their bloodlines. Their increased adaptability may relate to that species higher soil moisture and shade tolerance along with its distinctly fibrous root system. That is not to say that none of the hybrid forms have value, as there are certainly some choice selections among them as well. All Coneflowers are susceptible to aster yellows, a disease that causes distorted growth and deformed flowers. Prompt removal of infected plants is the best management tool. If you are going to grow these perennials, you will have to deal with this issue. Ignoring the newest of the new, here are a few suggestions for reliable recent introductions that perform well in our region.

If we were asked to recommend only one Coneflower, knowing what we know today, it would be ‘CGB Cone 2’ Pixie Meadowbrite™ (USPP # 18546). This is a most floriferous compact selection with sturdy stems and excellent branching characteristics. It matures into a 1 1⁄2’ - 2’ tall plant with mildly fragrant blooms that have magenta-pink ray petals and amber-colored central cones. Echinacea purpurea ‘Pica Bella’ is another excellent variety. We like its attractive green foliage, compact, strong-stemmed habit as well as its generous and extended floral display. The blooms have very bright, deep pink ray petals and cones that are rusty red. The flower color holds extremely well and the blooms are borne on stems that stand about 2’ tall. Two excellent cultivars that particularly stand out for their stem coloration are Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ (USPP # 18429) and Echinacea purpurea ‘Vintage Wine’ (USPP # 13893). ‘Fatal Attraction’ has deep purplish black stems and vivid purple-pink flowers that are held well above the foliage mound. The blooms have a double row of ray petals and the sturdy plants stand 2’ - 2 1⁄2’ tall in bloom. ‘Vintage Wine’ also has an excellent upright habit but it is slightly shorter. Its abundant blooms are intense reddish pink and the flower stems are dark burgundy. This enhances the color of the flowers and makes the overall bloom effect that much more rich. Echinacea purpurea “Fragrant Angel’ (USPP # 16054) is the most handsome of several white-flowered varieties. It offers large, fragrant blooms with non-drooping white petals and yellow-orange cones. The 2 1⁄2’ tall plants are well branched and bloom over an extended period. There are also numerous novel-colored forms that have been introduced in recent years. We have been quite impressed by ‘Matthew Saul’ Harvest Moon™ (USPP # 17652) with its handsome display of gold flowers that have golden orange cones. In the orange color range, ‘Tiki Torch’ (USPP # 18839) offers large showy blooms on well-branched, strong stems.

No doubt this list of favorites for northern gardeners will continue to evolve and increase in scope. Stay tuned and enjoy the beauty of these perennials in your landscape.

by Mike Heger