Text by Hélène Baril – Horticulturist, lecturer & author
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Every year, garden centers offer us new echinaceas. All more beautiful than the others, they come in several colors such as white, pink, red, yellow, orange, or greenish. Echinacea has always been recognized and appreciated for its pink inflorescences with simple petals, like a daisy. The new cultivars of echinacea now feature double flowers with a raised center forming large pom-poms that do not go unnoticed.
Easy to grow
Echinaceas like to have their heads in the sun and their feet dry (but not too much). A full sun exposure, meaning more than 6 hours of sunlight per day, a fresh, loose soil rich in organic matter (compost), and regular waterings are what this beautiful perennial needs to brighten up your garden in summer. Avoid semi-shaded situations and damp places, as excess water weakens them and they do not withstand winter. A lack of sunlight encourages the appearance of mildew, which causes the plant to wither. Throughout its flowering period, removing faded flowers increases floral production, although, for my part, I like to preserve a few dried inflorescences that provide a beautiful source of food for birds in winter. Compost additions in spring and fall are sufficient for its development. Beware of fertilizers too rich in nitrogen, which favor leaf production at the expense of flowers.
For the pleasure of the eyes…
With so many choices, how to make an informed selection that will last over time? Here are some beautiful echinaceas that have proven themselves and some new arrivals that will charm you.
Echinacea ‘Magnus’
Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’
With its long sturdy stems, upright habit, and long slightly arched dark pink petals, this old cultivar is a must. Moreover, its raised center delights birds and monarch butterflies.
Zone: 3
Height: 90 cm
Width: 50 cm
Blooming: 7-9
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Sprint’
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Sprint’
A real surprise box. Sometimes bright yellow, orange-yellow, orange, red-orange, medium pink, or scarlet red, it always surprises us. It's easy to fall under its charm.
Zone: 3
Height: 35-75 cm
Width: 40-60 cm
Blooming: 7-9
Echinacea ‘Marmalade’
Echinacea ‘Marmalade’
With its pom-poms in orange hues and petals tilted downwards, this beautiful recently produced echinacea makes a splash in mass plantings as well as isolated.
Zone: 4
Height: 60-90 cm
Width: 40-50 cm
Blooming: 7-9
Echinacea ‘Fresco Apricot’
Echinacea ‘Fresco Apricot’
A newcomer with warm colors of yellow, orange, pink, and purple. A rounded center, fine striped petals, and a narrow, upright habit characterize this stunning echinacea with extended blooming.
Zone: 4
Height: 55-75 cm
Width: 50-60 cm
Blooming: 7-10
Fall under the spell of echinaceas, you will never be disappointed by their beauty and the punch they bring to the garden.
Tips and advice
