Echinacea, commonly known as coneflowers, is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants that are highly valued for their striking, daisy-like flowers, long blooming season, and ability to attract pollinators. Native to North America, Echinacea plants are well-suited to a wide range of garden settings, from traditional borders and cottage gardens to wildflower meadows and prairie-style plantings. The most common species include Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower), and Echinacea angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Coneflower), though many cultivars and hybrids have been developed to offer a variety of colours and forms.
Echinacea plants typically feature large, showy flowers with prominent central cones surrounded by drooping or horizontal petals. The cones are usually spiky and range in colour from orange-brown to dark red, while the petals can vary from purple and pink to white, yellow, or orange, depending on the species or cultivar. These flowers bloom from late spring to late summer, and in some cases, well into autumn. Echinacea plants generally grow to a height of 60-120 cm (2-4 feet), with a spread of 30-60 cm (1-2 feet), forming clumps of sturdy, upright stems and coarse, lance-shaped leaves.
Echinacea is known for its hardiness and adaptability. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. These plants are hardy in the UK to RHS hardiness rating H6, meaning they can withstand the coldest British winters. Echinacea is also drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for gardens with dry, sunny conditions. Beyond their ornamental appeal, Echinacea flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and their seed heads provide food for birds in the colder months. Additionally, Echinacea has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in herbal remedies to boost the immune system. Whether used as a focal point in a border, a companion in a mixed planting, or a key player in a pollinator garden, Echinacea brings beauty, resilience, and ecological value to any landscape.
