The daisy-like flowers of echinacea make them popular perennials in beds and borders. They are easy to grow too, one of the many reasons to give them a go in your garden. Find out a little more about how to grow them and a few types to try.
Growing echinacea
Generally, they prefer a South or West facing spot where they get plenty of sun. A rich, well-drained soil is best, where the plants will thrive and provide flowers through summer and autumn. Not only can you enjoy the blooms, but they are popular with pollinators, as well as birds that are attracted to the seed heads.
Echinacea is a popular herb that is used for its healing properties. Within the group there are 9 species, but the following three are used for their herbal properties: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida.
The roots and upper parts of these plants are used in tablets, teas and extracts. To harvest, wait for the second year of growth, then cut the stem at the lowest leaves, strip the leaves and flowerheads and leave them to dry. Then, they can be stored until you want to make tea.
‘Butterfly Kisses’
The fragrant double flowers of this compact perennial bloom atop sturdy dark stems. From summer into autumn, their fluffy texture, adds some fun to the planting scheme like pom-poms.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 50cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Green Envy’
With long-lasting lime green flowers, the petals develop a pink flush. As the plant matures, the central cone changes colour from green to purple, bringing magic to the display. Well-suited to cottage gardens and prairie planting, they are a lovely addition to many garden styles.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 90cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Hot Lava’
This echinacea has deep orange-red petals and a dark cone, bringing drama to the mix. The bold coloured flowerheads look fantastic planted amongst other fiery coloured plants such as red-hot pokers.
- Flowers in spring to autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 80cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Pink Double Delight’
Growing to around 60cm tall, this compact cultivar has double, pink, pom-pom like flowers. The outer petals that droop downwards are lighter in colour, making them a fantastic addition for a pink planting scheme, or a cottage garden.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 60cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Tiki Torch’
As its name suggests, the bright orange flowerheads resemble a fiery tiki torch. With slightly darker colouring at the base, the orange-red centre cone adds even more colour to the mix. The fragranced flowers make them a great addition to the border near a seating space.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 60cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
‘White Swan’
This white coneflower is a tough plant, and its light colour makes it a great addition to any colour scheme, where it will act as a neutral buffer. The stiff stems are topped with the white petals that centre around a dark brown cone.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Hardy
- Grows up to 60cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
There are many colours to choose from when it comes to growing echinacea. They are a fantastic plant to have in your autumn garden, and one that pollinators will enjoy too. Let me know your favourite echinacea variety in the comments or on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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