Echinacea Pink Parasol - Purple Coneflower seeds

Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Parasol' is a beautiful variety with large purple flowers, lighter than the typical variety.

Echinacea purpurea or Purple Coneflower is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to North America. It can be found in the dry prairies of the Eastern United States or in sparsely wooded areas. Its natural habitat includes heathlands as well as cultivated fields. This tall asteraceae is characterized by large pale pink to violet heads, sometimes white, carried by tall, very stiff stems, dark green to purple, which branch at their ends. Typically, it measures between 60cm (23.6in) and 1.20m (3.3ft). When the flower is immature, the ligules of the collar spread horizontally and then adopt a widely involute (bent downwards or towards the stem) habit. The colors of the flower fade over time. The central florets form a conical dome covered with rough, amber and brown-red pointed tubules that become more prominent and darker as the flower blooms. This uniqueness gave it the name Echinacea, which comes from the Greek 'Ekhinos' meaning hedgehog. The dark green leaves are lanceolate, pubescent, and become sessile at the top of the stem.

Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Parasol' is a giant variety, reaching 1.20m in height. Its petal collar is a lighter purple than the typical variety and the central dome takes on more orange shades. The flower is larger than other varieties.

Of course, it prefers rich, sandy, well-drained soils but is not affected by soil pH. It likes full sun and light shade. It is hardy and can withstand long periods of drought. Echinacea naturalizes very easily. You can use it with other perennials in a meadow where it will spontaneously settle. Combine it with Echinacea 'Coconut Lime', Phlox, Alliums, or large Eupatoriums.

Very melliferous and nectariferous, its scent attracts butterflies; by placing purple flowers near orchards, you will undoubtedly contribute to the pollination of your fruit trees. On the edge of a border within meadows, or in rockeries, this beautiful daisy will naturally take over the place. Trimming faded flowers stimulates new blooms. However, you can leave some stems and heads in winter: they are very graphic but more importantly, the seeds are highly prized by birds, especially bullfinches and goldfinches. The flowers make a sensation in bouquets within floral compositions.

The different species of Echinacea, especially purpurea, pallida, and angustifolia, are panaceas in Native American pharmacopoeia. They are reputed to be immune stimulants and promote the healing of winter diseases (colds, flu, respiratory ailments). All cultivars have retained the properties of their original species.