Common Name: coneflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to August
Bloom Description: Light green rays with dark green cone
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Cut, Good Dried
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. This is an adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Plants rebloom well without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers encourages continued bloom and improves general appearance.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Echinacea is a genus of seven species all endemic to eastern and central North America. Coneflowers bloom from June to August with some sporadic later bloom. Attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter, and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones may be visited by goldfinches or other birds that feed on the seeds.
Genus name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea urchin in reference to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus.
‘Green Jewel’ is a coneflower that features bright light green rays and dark green center cones. It was discovered in an open population of an unnamed selection of Echinacea purpurea growing in a controlled environment in Hummelo, The Netherlands in 2005. It is an upright perennial that typically grows in a compact clump to 20-24" tall and to 18" wide on sturdy, well-branched stems that do not need staking. Large flowers (to 4-5" diameter) feature bright light green rays surrounding rounded, dark green center cones. Flowers bloom from late spring to late summer, sometimes with additional sporadic bloom until frost. Flowers have a mild but sweet fragrance. Medium green leaves (to 7” long) are narrow-ovate to ovate. U.S. Plant Patent PP18,678 was issued on April 1, 2008.
Problems
All coneflowers are susceptible to aster yellows and various fungal and bacterial leaf spots. Watch for erythroid mites and Japanese beetles.
Uses
Border fronts, rock gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens. Best in groups or massed. Attractive specimen/accent.