Echinacea
(Revised 3 Feb 2011)
Echinacea has this simplicity, innocent, and countryside look that it even makes its common pink colour pure and attractive. The new varieties are getting prettier in colours and forms as they come into the market each year; costly. As much as we avoid being in the fashion chasing crowd, we can’t resist acquiring them. Many new varieties are very disappointing either because their flowers are not really as their pictures suggest, or their growth habit is feeble. The only way to find out is to try them yourselves. (Feedback from other gardeners on the internet can sometimes be misleading/confusing.)
Most species are native to central Canada, and are known to be short-lived. I should try to remember to divide some of the more mature clumps before they disappear from the garden. They are supposed to be tolerance of clay soil. Most Echinaceas need some form of support either by their neighbouring plants or some form of stakes, as their flowering seasons progress.
Echinacea ‘Coral Reef’
This is new in our garden. The flower form and colour are probably the prettiest (to me). I hope its growth habit will be good enough make it a good friend in our garden.
Echinacea 'Coral Reef'
Echinacea ‘Coconut Lime’
This is one of the best white/cream Echinaceas in our garden; the flower form, the structure and the colour.
Echinacea 'Coconut Lime' with Coreopsis
Echinacea ‘Flame Thrower’
This is probably the most reliable and vigorous orange Echinacea in our garden.
Echinacea 'Flame Thrower'
Echinacea ‘Green Envy’
The one I have is ugly and weak (and expensive). The pictures I have is not worth looking at for now.
Echinacea ‘Green Eyes’
The bright green eyes are attractive, but it disappeared quickly as the flowers opened up.
Echinacea 'Green Eyes'
Echinacea 'Green Eyes'
Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’
This is a refreshing Echinacea with character. It seemed reasonably vigorous so far.
Echinacea 'Green Jewel'
Echinacea ‘Gum Drop’
This is a new acquisition. I have not observed any notable ornamental attribute yet.
Echinacea 'Gum Drop'
Echinacea ‘Harvest Moon’
This is also a relatively weak plant relative to say ‘Flame Thrower’.
Echinacea 'Harvest Moon'
Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’
This is a new acquisition. It is likely the brightest orange red Echinacea we have, with flower form superior to ‘Tomato Soup’. It appears to be very vigorous.
Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'
Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’
This plant has some ideal attributes for an Echinacea; compact, stable structure, profuse and neat flower bouquet, and beautiful eyes.
Echinacea 'Kim's Knee High'
Echinacea Purpurea ‘Magnus’
These are common Echinaceas that were easily sown from seeds.
Echinacea Purpurea 'Magnus'
Echinacea Purpurea 'Magnus'
Echinacea ‘Mango Meadowbrite’
This is another weak orange Echinacea.
Echinacea 'Mango Meadowbrite'
Echinacea ‘Milkshake’
This is a new acquisition. It is somewhat similar to ‘Coconut Limes’, but with dark eye. It promised to be somewhat vigorous.
Echinacea 'Milkshake'
Echinacea pallida
The plants I have were from seeds that I sowed a number of years ago. I love its characteristic airy delicate form.
Echinacea pallida
Echinacea ‘Pink Double Delight’
Its colour is not nearly as pretty as the catalog, and is a relatively weak plant in my garden.
Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight'
Echinacea ‘Pink Poodle’
This is a new acquisition. It was another disappointment, and will be going to a second class bed.
Echinacea 'Pink Poodle'
Echinacea ‘Razzmatazz’
This appears to be far superior to the ‘Pink Double Delight’.
Echinacea 'Razzmatazz'
Echinacea ‘Rubin’s Glow’
This plant appeared to glow from a distance in the dusk; perhaps it is just my imagination.
Echinacea 'Rubin's Glow'
Echinacea ‘Rubinstein’
The plant I have is hardly distinguishable from the common stocks from seeds.
Echinacea ‘Ruby Star”
So far, it appeared quite ordinary.
Echinacea 'Ruby Star'
Echinacea ‘Summer Sky’
This Echinacea has the beauty and vigor of the common Echinacea, and on the top of that, it has the nicest shade of faded peachy pink that will go with a wide range other colours.
Echinacea 'Summer Sky'
'Summer Sky' with Delphinium
Echinacea ‘Summer Sun’
This is a new acquisition.
Echinacea 'Summer Sun'
Echinacea ‘Sundown’
The flowers started with darker peach colour, and as the blooming season progressed the colour of the flowers faded slowing, giving an interesting effect of mixed dark to light shade of peach colours among the flowers. It is a vigorous plant.
Echinacea 'Sundown'
Echinacea ‘Tangerine Dream’
This is another new acquisition. It appeared to be similar to ‘Flame Thrower’, but less vigorous. I only have a very poor picture for now.
Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream'
Echinacea ‘Tomato Soup’
Currently it is probably the darkest orange red single Echinacea. It disappeared after I transplanted it the second year.
Echinacea 'Tomato Soup'
Echinacea ‘White Swan’
It may not be double, but the purity and the green eyes make it an elegant subject for composition.
Echinacea 'White Swan'
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