Echinacea purpurea Razzmatazz - Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpura 'Razzmatazz' is a variety sought-after for its tall stature and unusual flowers, with large double-headed prominent cones, surrounded by trailing petals in a candy pink gradient. It blooms from mid-summer to autumn, filling the air with a honey-like fragrance. It is a lush and generous perennial that doesn't go unnoticed and deserves a prime spot in sunny flower beds. It is ideal for cutting or drying.

Originally from the western United States, Rudbeckia purpurea is a strong-willed perennial that readily colonizes rocky prairies, savannahs, clear undergrowth, and road edges in its natural habitat. 'Razzmatazz' is an astonishing cultivar derived from this formidable pioneer. It was one of the first hybrids with a highly accentuated doubling in the central disc. It has a lush clumping habit, reaching a minimum height of 100 cm (39in) and a width of 60 cm (24in). Its sturdy stems show good resistance. The green leaves are bristly with rough hairs. The nectar-rich and fragrant flowering occurs from July to the end of summer, with inulas, asters, and ornamental tobacco plants, and is loved by butterflies. The branched flower stalks each end in a large solitary inflorescence with a diameter of 8cm (3in), with a prominent central disc, giving the heart of the flower the appearance of a fluffed-up pompom made up of tiny florets in a fresh pink shade. Around the disc, the pink ligules are rather short and strongly recurved. This plant firmly and deeply anchors itself in the soil with its highly developed root system.

Rudbeckia 'Razzmatazz' offers a very vibrant flowering, lovely on slightly misty autumn days. It is used in mixed borders with other pink flowers whose shapes contrast (shrubby salvias, dwarf gladioli, daylilies, carnations). Lighten the scene by mixing in some ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia, Muhlenbergia capillaris...Splendid in flower beds, the beautiful colour of 'Razzmatazz' is also very attractive in fresh or dried flower bouquets.

The fragrance of the Echinacea varies depending on the flowering stage. Initially, when the florets are in an upright crown, the scent is barely perceptible. At full bloom, when the florets droop as if drained of their strength, it emits a delicate honey scent, attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects. Once the head is pollinated, the fragrance takes on a more vanilla note.

Properties : In homoeopathy, its root is used to fight against colds and strengthen the immune system. These properties were first used by Native Americans.