Echinacea is an easy-to-grow plant that is loved for its charm. This beautiful plant is pollinator-friendly and supports wildlife. Echinaceas have eight native varieties, and some of them are on the endangered list. This plant is in high demand owing to its charm, which resulted in the wide new varieties of Echinaceas. Many varieties of hybrid Echinaceas look beautiful, but they do not live as long as the original species of Echinaceas. In this article, we'll discuss Echinaceas in detail, including the types of native Echinaceas and some of the widely known Cultivar Echinaceas.
Know About Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as Coneflower, stands out as one of the widely recognised prairie flowers. Echinacea is commonly found in the prairies of North America.
Coneflowers are appreciated for their downward-arching petals and cone-like centers. They thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant, making them an amazing option for your sunlit garden. Also, these beautiful plants are perennial- once planted, they grow back annually.
Echinacea and Its Multiple Benefits
- These plants are widely known for their immune-stimulating properties.
- These plants have medicinal uses, such as treating respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza, laryngitis, and tonsillitis.
- These plants are highly versatile and used widely as cut flower plants.
Echinaceas: Native vs. Hybrid
The naturally occurring Echinaceas or Coneflowers generally come in ten different species. But the plant breeders have introduced a wide range of hybrid varieties.
Nativator Echinacea - Nativator Echinacea are those varieties of the Echinacea plants that are selectively adapted for cultivation. Native Echinacea naturally occurs in purple, pale purple, or yellow.
Hybrid Echinacea - Hybrid echinaceas are those varieties of the plant that are produced by crossing different Echinacea species. Hybrid Echinacea can be pink, orange, red, green, or even multi-coloured.
Types of Native Echinaceas
There are 9 native species of Echinacea. They are:
Echinacea Tennessensis Rocky Top
Rocky Top is a cultivated form of original Echinacea that naturally exists only near Nashville, TN. These native plants have larger blooms and shorter bushy growth. It's recommended to avoid planting Echinacea with other coneflower varieties, as they can crowd out these native plants.
Native Regions- Tennessee
Height- 1-2 feet
Hardiness Zones- 3 to 9
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Pallida, Pale Purple Coneflower
This variety of Echinacea produces graceful, pale pink blooms with a central cone. Echinacea Pallida captivates songbirds and butterflies throughout autumn and winter. These plants are tolerant of drought and heat, and they require low maintenance.
Native Regions- Central and Eastern U.S.
Height- 2 to 3 feet
Hardiness Zones- 3 to 10
Sun Exposure- Full sun
Echinacea Paradoxa, Yellow or Ozark Coneflowers
The Echinacea Paradoxa, also known as yellow or Ozark coneflowers, is native to four states, namely, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. These plants have the same shape and drought tolerance as those of pink and purple Echinaceas.
Height- 3-5 inches
Sun- It needs full sun to thrive
Bloom Time- It blooms in summer
Echinacea Laevigata, Smooth Coneflower
Smooth Coneflower is a plant that is worth protecting. This plant is endangered in various states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. However, its status improved in 2022, from endangered to threatened. But it still needs our help and care.
Echinacea Angustifolia, Narrow-leaf Coneflower
This plant is native and has been used for its medicinal benefits for over a century. Narrow-leaf Coneflower has been declared endangered in some states.
Echinacea Purpurea, Purple Coneflower
This plant is native to the Eastern United States, and therefore, it is sometimes called Eastern Purple Coneflower. Purple Coneflower attracts birds and pollinators. These plants grow as tall as 5 feet.
The other native species rarely found in the U.S are:
- Topeka Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Atrorubens)
- Sanguine Purple Coneflower Echinacea Sanguine)
- Wavyleaf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Simulata)
Few Cultivar Echinaceas
Echinacea Purpurea Avalanche
Avalanches bloom with white petals and green centres. These plants are hardy and resistant to deer. They typically bloom between June and August. Avalanche loves full sun but can also thrive in partial shade.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 3 to 8
Grows up to- 12 to 18 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit
One packet of seed of Echnicea Cheyenne Spirit can produce many blooms in different shades like yellow, white, cream, red, pink, orange, or purple rays with brown disk centres. When seeds are grown post-Christmas indoors, you can see summer blooms because this is a fast-growing plant. The Cheyenne Spirit produces flowers between June and August.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Grows up to- 12- 30 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Sombrero Poco Hot Coral
Echinacea Sombrero got its name because it has a Sombrero-like cone center. This plant blooms in many colours, including pink, white, yellow, and orange. This hybrid was introduced in 2007 in Illinois. This beautiful plant produces large blooms in orange-red from early summer to frost.
Grows up to- 1 to 2 feet
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Ratibida Columnifera, Prairie Coneflower
Prairie Coneflowers are not from the Echinacea plant genus, but they are considered because of the name "coneflower". Also known as Mexican Hat Coneflower, this plant is tall and loves full sun. These perennials thrive in summer.
Height- Up to 5 feet tall
Sunlight Requirement- It needs full sun
Bloom Time- Summer to fall
Echinacea Firebird
Firebirds have beautiful, bright blooms. Gardeners love this plant, especially because of its bold center cone and petals. This plant was developed in Oregon in 2009. Firebirds attract butterflies with their vibrant colours. Their bloom time is from mid-summer to fall.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Grows up to- 24 to 36 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Flame Thrower
This Cultivar was created in Oregon in the year 2009. Echinacea Flame Thrower has bicoloured petals (orange and yellow), with bold red centres. Flame Thrower blooms from mid-summer through fall.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 3 to 8
Grows up to- 24 to 36 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Leilani
Echinacea Leilani is one of the members of Terra Nova's Prairie Pillar Series. These plants produce bright yellow blooms and have strong stems. Leilani is widely used as a cut flower plant. The bloom time is generally from July through October.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Grows up to- 36 to 42 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
Echinacea Intense Orange
Intense Orange Echinaceas were introduced in the year 2017. These plants produce multi-shaded flowers, varying from deep-orange to rich pumpkin. Rich green foliage enhances the beauty of flowers. Their bloom time is from summer through frost.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Grows up to- 18 to 24 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun
Echinacea Purpurea Green Envy
Green Envy is a unique variety of Echinacea. It starts blooming in complete green, then starts developing a magenta ring around the centre cone. Green Envy has a shorter bloom period(mid to late summer). It grows well in warmer climates.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 4 to 9
Grows up to- 24-36 inches
Sun Exposure- Full Sun
Echinacea Purpurea Fragrant Angel
Fragrant Angel was introduced in Terra Nova Nurseries in Oregon. It produces large, white daisy-like blooms with a golden-orange centre. Its petals grow horizontally instead of drooping downwards. This tall plant releases a strong scent all summer long.
Native Regions- Central and Southeastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones- 3 to 9
Grows up to- 48 inches
Sun Exposure- Full sun to partial shade
