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Botanical names: Echinacea purpurea
German names: Purple coneflower
Family: Compositae (Asteraceae)
Flowering time: July to September
Flowers: Purple-red, yellow, orange or white
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth habit: Perennial, up to 100cm tall
Origin: North America
Echinacea purpurea is a deciduous perennial that reveals its numerous flowers from July to September. The slender, upright stems are topped with a profuse flower corolla that has a cone-shaped center that curves upward. Because of the spiky dark red texture of the capitula, purple coneflower is also called "hedgehog head". The botanical name Echinacea can be derived from the Greek word "echinos", which also means "hedgehog". Its juicy coloring in a wide variety of shades makes it a real feast for the eyes. The pretty flower heads of Echinacea purpurea magically attract nectar-seeking butterflies and bees in particular.
Purple coneflower is also known as an antiseptic medicinal plant and is used in many cold preparations. Already the natives of North America have used it against inflammations.
A sunny location with a nutrient-rich and well-drained soil is preferred by her. Although the magnificent perennial can cope with semi-shaded places, but then develops fewer flowers. Withered flowers need to be removed regularly. Pruning the purple coneflower immediately after flowering will extend its life. Once it settles into its location, it is easy to care for. If the perennial is no longer sprouting vigorously, it can be divided. To do this, dig up the rootstock and sections can be replanted. This should be done every four to five years in the spring.
Especially in large numbers planted Echinacea purpurea looks impressive. Here, different varieties of the perennial can also provide a highlight. Thus, great accents can be set in individual areas of the garden or terrace. The targeted planting of Echinacea purpurea automatically directs the eye in this direction, so that new visual relationships can also be created.
But our plant of the month also comes into its own in sunny borders in combination with plain ornamental grasses, Chinese reed or lavender. It stands out from the crowd with its coloring and sets colorful accents. Overall, purple coneflower is a versatile and attractive plant that adds value both aesthetically and ecologically. Its beauty will round out any flower bed.
Do you have questions about this article or about the process of your personal garden project? We are here to help you. Contact us personally or write a comment.
PARC'S Garden Design Ltd.
Buechstrasse 38
8645 Rapperswil-Jona
T +41 55 224 30 33
info@gartengestaltung.ch
PARC'S Gartengestaltung is your planning specialist from Rapperswil-Jona for functional and aesthetic landscape architecture and environmental design. Our designs take up the central idea of the building architecture and harmonize interior and exterior space.
