The genus name Echinacea derives from the Greek echinos (hedgehog) and refers to the thorny base of the flower head. This spiky foliage is the first sign that your Echinacea has survived the winter and is going to put on a show that will last through the summer and well into the autumn.
Echinacea are also known as ‘Cone Flowers’ due to their large cone shaped centres which often contrast with the large daisy like flowers. They are hardy perennials so will start to push their foliage up into the garden in late spring but generally they don’t flower until later in the summer. They like lots of sunshine and prefer well drained and even drier soil, so they are great in a hot, dry summer -but don’t move them – they prefer to stay put and form large clumps if possible.
If you want to divide the clump, wait until early spring or late autumn when they have finished flowering and simply dig up the root mass and divide suing a pruning saw or spade. Then move to their new site and replant with compost to give them a boost. Alternatively, collect the seed from the heads in September or October and sow the following March/April in a warm place, making sure you only plant out into your garden in May/June when all chance of frost has passed.
So Why Else Do I Love Echinacea?
The thick stems mean you don’t need to stake them, and this makes them ideal for using as cut flowers – no droopy stems! Furthermore, they come in a range of colours and heights so are perfect to complement any colour palette.
They are also amazing as part of a ‘prairie’ style planting scheme with grasses and other late flowering perennials like Helenium, Rudbeckia and Achillea. This type of planting scheme tends to be lower maintenance and reasonably drought tolerant so apart from tidying up in the autumn, just let them do their thing!
Another benefit to these pretty perennials is their ability to attract bees, birds and other pollinators they are perfect to improve the biodiversity of you garden.
As well as encouraging wildlife, there are non-toxic to people and pets – in fact Echinacea has been proven in clinical studies to have many health benefits. It is often found as an ingredient in herbal tea for its ability to boost the immune system and to help relieve cold and flu like symptoms. Some studies have found that it can reduce inflammation and even lower blood sugar levels which is amazing. Before you take any supplement or herbal infusion, always check with your doctor that it is suitable for you as it may interfere with some medication – particularly if you are on chemotherapy.
So, there you have it – from hedgehog to beautiful and useful perennial. Plant Echinacea in your garden and I’m sure you will be as enamoured as I am.
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