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 once established. Protect from slugs.
