Echinacea purpurea
Loved equally by beneficials and humans, echinacea blossoms are long blooming (July to October). They are at home as a border feature or in the vegetable garden. There seems to be light coming from within these bright mauve-pink petals surrounding a distinctive rich plum center cone. you can create dramatic contrast when these flowers are planted with Shasta or Michaelmas Daisies, Erynglum, and Monarda. Pre-chill and nick seeds. Sow 0.3cm (1/8") deep. Seeds germinate unevenly in 10 to 21 days. Coneflowers may bloom in the first year if planted in early March. Plants are sturdy and drought tolerant once established. Protect from slugs. Plant height to 80cm (32").
