Don't these purple coneflowers look like badminton shuttlecocks? So big, with the downturned petals. I'd never bat them around, but they sure have that look.
This photo really shows how the Echinacea purpurea will fill a spot in your garden over time. I planted a few of them here three or four years ago and the bed is almost completely covered. To do this, you'll want to deadhead all summer, to keep the blooms going, but towards the end, let a few (depending on how many you want next year) go to seed.
I like these flowers at every stage of development, from bud right through to seedhead. The other thing that recommends them is their desirability to wildlife. Last summer I raced inside to get a camera when several brilliant yellow butterflies landed on them. They're popular with butterflies and goldfinches, and they don't require a lot of water, which makes them a good garden plant whether you're in the city or suburbs.
Lately, you practically have your choice of colors, from cream to rose to orange to yellow. Whatever you do, be sure to plan a big group of them and try for full sun. That's how they look and do their best. Supposedly, you can cut them and they do well in a vase but - sigh - I've never had much luck.
Coneflower is one of those plants that you see all over the place, which might make you think they're ordinary .. Would you say that about a rose?
