Hello to all Mid-Ohio Valley farmers and gardeners! I hope you had a joyful Mother’s Day weekend. Many of us gave hanging baskets as gifts, which can be lovely—but also a bit tricky to maintain throughout the summer.
These baskets dry out fast, especially during July and August. Daily watering is essential to keep them thriving. Be sure to water until it runs out the bottom and try to maintain consistent moisture. Pairing slow-release fertilizer with half-strength liquid feedings will help them stay lush and vibrant.
Now, let’s talk about a real garden powerhouse—Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower. This hardy native plant not only adds beauty to your landscape but also offers critical support to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. It’s a low-maintenance perennial that’s heat- and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for our region.
Echinacea is known for its striking flowers, which bloom in mid-summer and continue through to the first frost. The blooms feature purple petals surrounding a distinctive orange-brown cone, which gives the flower its “coneflower” name.
The cone is made up of many tiny flowers packed tightly together and shaped like a spiny cone. The petals are actually ray flowers, giving the bloom its unique appearance.
This plant is more than just eye candy. It’s deer-resistant, has strong upright stems that don’t require staking, and fits perfectly into mass plantings or the back of perennial beds. Plus, Echinacea makes excellent cut flowers for arrangements.
Purple coneflower is native to North America, with nine species found across the continent—some even native to West Virginia.
You can buy them as potted plants from garden centers or grow your own from seed, which is more budget-friendly. Seeds can be sown in spring, or you can use root cuttings in the fall.
Historically, Echinacea has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Native American tribes used it more than any other plant to treat a variety of health issues. Its root extracts are believed to boost the immune system, and its essential oils have been used for insecticidal and antibacterial purposes.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It grows up to 3 feet tall and wide and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant.
For best performance, deadhead faded flowers regularly to extend the blooming season. Over time, plants may become overcrowded, so divide clumps every four to six years to keep them healthy. Avoid planting in wet areas, as Echinacea is susceptible to crown rot.
Purple coneflowers can reseed themselves in the garden. If you leave spent flower heads through fall and winter, you’ll not only encourage reseeding but also provide a food source for birds like goldfinches. These seed heads are packed with nutrition and add winter interest to the garden.
While generally tough, Echinacea can face a few challenges such as powdery mildew, stem rot, and pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and eriophyid mites. These issues are usually minor if you follow good gardening practices: space plants properly, ensure good drainage, and remove old plant debris.
A wide range of varieties is available for gardeners. ‘Kim’s Knee High’ is a compact type that stays under 18 inches tall. ‘Magnus’, ‘Ruby Star’, and ‘Bright Star’ offer taller blooms in shades of rose and crimson.
Want white flowers? Try ‘White Swan’. For colorful hybrids, the “Big Sky” series offers exciting options like yellow ‘Big Sky Sunrise’ and peach-toned ‘Big Sky Summer Sky’.
However, if you’re planting for pollinators, it’s best to stick with open-pollinated or native varieties. Dr. Annie White at the University of Vermont found that heavily hybridized cultivars are often less attractive to pollinators.
In short, Echinacea is a must-have for any backyard gardener. It’s beautiful, resilient, and ecologically important. With a little care, it will reward you with months of blooms and a flurry of pollinator activity.
