A profusion of large, daisy like flowers covers this plant from late summer to mid autumn. The reflexive petals surround a large, attractive cone. This perennial requires moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and will tolerate wind and drought. The foliage is comprised of lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The purple form is most common, however the white flower shown here is rising in popularity. Coneflower is traditionally grown as an herbal medicine. It is used to treat mastitis, abscesses, colds, cystitis, diverticulitis, earache, eye infection, flu, hayfever, sore throat, and wounds. It is an indispensable plant in any herbalist's garden. As an added bonus, it also attracts butterflies.
Package of 25+ seeds $1.50US
Echinacea purpurea 'Rubinstein'
Exciting new cultivar. Very bright pink. Their pink daisy flowers appear over a long period. Good cut flower. They are easy to grow in most soils. No pest problems. Reliable. Flowers are larger than the species and petals are more horizontal.
Nursery/Plant Sales (Canada only) 4" $4.00C 1 gallon $6.00C
This is the the echinops that bears the beautiful violet/blue flower globes. A compact clump forming yet spiny leafed plant that enhances the rock garden or cottage garden it is planted in. Flower heads are 1 to 1 1/2" in diameter or larger and truly a beautiful shade of violet/blue. Looks weedy until it flowers, I have mine planted behind large hosta.
Package of 10+ seeds $1.75US
Nursery/Plant Sales (Canada only) 4" $2.50C 1 gallon $5.00C
Imposing perennial with strap shaped, rough margined, bluish green leaves, to 4 ft. long. In early Summer, bears pale pink flowers, on long stalks to 6 ft. tall. Resembling , as the name implies foxtails. Though they require excellent drainage and Spring frost protection (the bud must not be touched by frost) to insure bloom, they are well worth the effort.
Package of 10+ seeds $3.75US (2003 sold out)
Type: annual (will reseed)
Light: full sun
Flower color: tangerine
Soil: average, good drainage
Height: 12-15 in
Bright, colourful, easy-care annual. Attractive, ferny foliage. Will bloom all season till heavy frost. I have mine growing at the base of orange Asiatic lilies. They look great as a contrast to purples and blues. Good combo with Forget-Me-Nots, Spanish Bluebells (scilla hispanica), and Alliums.
Package of 25+ seeds $1.50US