Monday, June 25, 2012

A Cornucopia of Coneflower


Very few flowers can beat the coneflower when it comes to both beauty and ease.  With a long bloom season, great height and a fantastic range of color choices, the coneflower requires minimal care and isn't bothered by pests or disease.  It's easily my favorite garden flower for exactly those reasons.


Although many people immediately think purple when it comes to coneflower, new hybrids are giving gardeners varied color, shape and size choices.  Lesser know by its scientific name, echinacea, the coneflower is a favorite of birds and butterflies and if allowed to seed becomes a favorite treat to certain bird species, especially the goldfinch.  

It's impossible to pick a favorite variety, but easy to admire them all.

Bravado Purple Coneflower.  Grows 4 feet tall with 4 to 5 inch blooms.  


Fragrant Angel Coneflower.  Five inch wide blooms with orange centers.


Green Envy Coneflower.  Mauve-purple flowers with petals tipped in lime green.  


Harvest Moon Coneflower.  Bright orange-yellow flowers with a deep orange center.


Magnus Purple Coneflower.  Bright rose petals with brownish-red centers.


Mango Meadowbrite Coneflower.  Bright orange petals with dark centers.


Pale Purple Coneflower.  Pale pink petals surround a tall, orange cone (center).


Tiki Torch Coneflower.  Bright orange, fragrant flowers that bloom into fall.


After Midnight.  Dwarf variety with deep magenta blooms and a dark black cone.


Fatal Attraction.  Purple Pink flowers with a double layer of petals.


Summer Sun.  Red orange flowers that turn golden orange.


Tomato Soup.  Bright tomato colored blooms.


Milkshake.  Double white flowers.


Pica Bella. Watermelon colored blooms.


Hot Papaya.  Papaya colored blooms with pom-pom centers.


Meringue.  Double white with pom-pom centers.


Vintage Wine.  Very intense, raspberry blooms.  








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