The inveterate gardener enjoys the planning as much as the blooms--poring over seed catalogues; determining where the perfect spot for that new variety of flower is; the excitement of receiving the seeds or plants and deciding to take time off from work, or shopping or even such important chores as walking the dog and vacuuming the carpet. All these are set aside to enjoy the thrill of dirt under the fingernails.
For those of you who are aficionados of native American wildflowers, you may want to consider an old favorite which has become even more popular because of new varieties recently developed.
The Echinacea or Coneflower in its purple or white guise is well-adapted to semi-drought conditions due to its long taproot but can handle moist soil as well. It prefers a sandy loam, and will tolerate being moved, although care must be taken to avoid too much upset of the root system. The Coneflower loves full sun, and spring planting of the Coneflower seeds will result in beautiful blooms of purple or white in the fall season.
This is a plant which is not content to hover close to the ground. It proudly waves its spiny central cone at a 3 to 5 foot height. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek “echinos” which means hedgehog.
Exciting new colors are available in spring 2007. In addition to the traditional purple or white flowers, creamy gold, eye-popping mango and pale orange are high on the avid gardener’s shopping list. Flowers with names like Sunset, Sunrise, Twilight, Harvest Moon and Sundown are just a few of the new colors. Echinacea flowers are sweetly fragrant to add enjoyment through another sense beside visual to your garden beds.
Another exciting Coneflower to consider for traffic-stopping impact in your garden is the Doubledecker. This little bloom reminds one of a flamenco dancer. The upper bloom in brilliant fuschia shading to pink sits atop the ‘waist’ of the cone with the skirt formed of the traditional down curling petals in the same shades.
Now is the time to search out these lovely specimens at Always Green Nursery. Our friendly staff is always willing and able to help you choose the best plants for your location.
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