Growth that does not include a stem is flattened and fan-like and produces basal leaves growth that includes a stem is terete and reproductive, ultimately bearing one or more terminal heads. The root stubs have actively growing crowns with new growth, as well as dormant stems from previous growing seasons. Mature plants develop a central knobby rootstock comprising a clump of shallow “root stubs” supported by fleshy, whitish roots. Photo 1: Showy terminal flowerheads occur singly on main stems and axillary branches. Other common names include Eastern Purple Coneflower and Broad-Leaved Purple Coneflower. Habitat preference is sunny to partially sunny sites on moist, well drained soils of prairies, open woodlands and borders, and rights-of-way. In Arkansas, plants grow statewide except for the lowlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and West Gulf Coastal Plain. ![]() In the US, the species is common in Arkansas, Missouri and Indiana with more limited occurrence in surrounding states and from Alabama into New England. The specific epithet is Latin for “purple,” the color of the ray florets. The genus name is derived from a Greek word for “hedgehog” in reference to the spiny bracts that share the receptacle with the ray and disk florets. This rejuvenates the plant and often produces a new display of beautiful blooms that last until frost.Ĭoneflower care is as simple as that and the plants will reward you with abundant flowering each and every year thereafter.Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea) of the Sunflower or Composite (Asteraceae) family is an erect herbaceous perennial with large, showy, terminal flowerheads. When late summer blooms of the purple coneflower begin to look tired or ragged, cut the plant back by a third. If flowers are small or poorly developed, try working in a small amount of well composted material in the soil around the plants. Purple coneflower plants are drought resistant and often thrive in dry summers.Ĭoneflower care may include limited fertilization, but this is often not needed. In seasons with normal rainfall, additional watering is not necessary. Once planted and established, learning how to care for coneflowers is easy. Growing purple coneflower from seeds is easy enough for the beginning gardener, while long-time gardeners delight in the ease of how to care for coneflowers. Root division should be limited to every three to four years. ![]() Younger coneflower plants may not have developed a root system that is extensive enough for division. Only plants that have been in the ground for three years or longer should be divided. Division: Purple coneflower plants may be started from root division in fall.Alternately, planting purple coneflower seeds in autumn, in areas with cold winters, allows the seeds to chill naturally. Those in areas where temperatures remain warm year long may want to try this technique. Professional growers believe stratification (chilling) of the seeds for a few weeks, after they are planted in moist soil, produces a more abundant bloom when growing purple coneflowers. Place a brown paper bag over the seed head, turn right side up, and let seeds drop into the bag. Seeds: If you wish to collect seeds for next year’s crop of purple coneflower plants, do so before the birds have eaten all the seeds.Purple coneflower plants may be started from seed or root division: In more southern areas, morning sun may facilitate the best performance, with late afternoon shade protecting the plants from burning. Full sun is defined as at least six hours of sun each day. When planting purple coneflower, locate them in a full sun area. Rich or heavily amended soil may result in lush foliage and poor flowering. Purple coneflower plants grow best in poor or lean soil. The sturdy stalks, which may reach 5 feet (1.5 m.) in height, rarely bend or require staking for an upright appearance.Ĭoneflower plants may actually display pink flowers, when the cultivar Echinacea purpurea ‘Pink Double Delight’ is planted. The plant also provides a tall background or repeating rows of large, often 6 inches (15 cm.) across, purple, daisy-like flowers. Planting purple coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea) in the garden or flower bed draws bees and butterflies, ensuring that nearby plants have plenty of pollinators. A native to the eastern United States, purple coneflowers are found in many flower gardens.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |