Plant of the month August: Purple cone­flower (Echinacea purpurea)

Details of Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea is a deci­duous peren­nial that reveals its nume­rous flowers from July to September. The slender, upright stems are crowned with a lush flower head with a conical centre that curves upwards. The purple cone­flower is also known as «hedgehog’s head» due to the spiky dark red texture of the capi­tula. The bota­nical name Echinacea is derived from the Greek word «echinos», which also means «hedgehog». Its juicy colou­ring in a wide variety of shades makes it a real feast for the eyes. The pretty flower heads of Echinacea purpurea are parti­cu­larly attrac­tive to nectar-seeking butter­flies and bees.

Purple cone­flower is also known as an anti­septic medi­cinal plant and is used in many cold reme­dies. It was already used by the indi­ge­nous people of North America to treat inflamm­a­tion.

It prefers a sunny loca­tion with a nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. This magni­fi­cent peren­nial can also cope with semi-shady spots, but will then develop fewer flowers. Withered flowers must be removed regu­larly. Pruning the purple cone­flower imme­dia­tely after flowe­ring prolongs its life­span. As soon as it has settled into its loca­tion, it is easy to care for. If the peren­nial no longer sprouts vigo­rously, it can be divided. To do this, the root­stock is dug up and sections can be replanted. This should be done every four to five years in spring.