Echinacea Purpurea

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Echinacea Purpurea

Common name: Purple Coneflower
Position: Full Sun, Partial Shade,
Soils: Well-drained/light, Clay, Alkaline , Sandy
Flowers: July, August, September.
Features: Attracts Butterflies
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Height: 90-120cm [3-4ft]
Spread: 50-100cm
Propagate: Divide clumps in spring or autumn. established clumps should be divided every 4-5 years. Plants will self sow if not dead headed. Collect dried cones in winter and sow saved seed in early spring.
Companion Plants: Helenium, Sunflowers, Bergamot, Rudbeckia

Echinacea Purpurea is a herbaceous flowering plant originating from the prairies of North America. It belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae and is closely related to Rudbeckia and Helenium. The name comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning hedgehog in reference to the spiky flower head. It can be a hungry plant but it's a good drought tolerant plant once established. It thrives best in full sun and will help attract butterflies to your garden. Protect plants from slugs and snails.

Echinacea doesn't like having damp roots during winter. Mound up the soil a little when planting to help the roots Dry out a little in winter. Seed heads can provide winter interest.

Echinacea Purpurea plants and seeds for sale at Amazon.co.uk

Echinacea Purpurea Herbal Remedy

Echinacea Purpurea is a traditional herbal remedy of the North American Indians to boost the immune system and fight the common cold and flu virus. To a lesser extent it is also used to treat skin problems such as acne and psoriasis. Clinical studies so far have given mixed results.

Echinacea Purpurea is available over the counter as a dietary supplement in capsule and liquid format and can also be found in soap and even beer! Although essentially non-toxic side effects can occur and should be avoided, or treated with caution, if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family.