Mother Earth’s Garden

Growing Coneflowers to Naturalize and Beautify

by linette on August 5th, 2008

Last week I promised you more information on naturalizing. Coneflowers are one of the easiest flowers to naturalize on a hillside, or in a ditch or meadow.

Most coneflower varieties grow to be about 2 to 5 feet tall, depending on the soil, and variety. They are one of my favorite summer flowers because of their ease to grow, and their long bloom time. Most will bloom from July to October.

Coneflowers are easy to grow from a start, or a single plant. If you find someone with coneflowers, just ask them for one. That’s all it takes. They enjoy full sun, but will also survive with a little shade. They’re drought tolerant, and extremely easy to maintain once they’re established.

There are several varieties of coneflowers. If you look closely at the photo below you’ll see white, and purple coneflowers (also known as Echinacea Purpurea). They’re mixed in with some lilies, and black-eyed-susans.

White coneflowers are also known as

More Purple Coneflowers.

Here are some Gray Headed Coneflowers from a local meadow. They got this name because their cones start out gray, then gradually turn brown with age. They’re also known as Prairie Coneflowers. Their color, and droopy leaves make them a little different from other coneflower varieties.

Coneflowers (Echinacea) is well known for it’s medicinal properties. It’s one of my favorite things to take during cold season to help boost my immune system. It also works as natural a bug repellent in the garden.

Coneflower Images (c) L Gerlach all rights reserved

Technorati Tags: coneflowers,purple coneflowers,white coneflowers,gray headed coneflowers,naturalizing with coneflowers,growing coneflowers,coneflower varieties

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POSTED IN: Flowers, Naturalizing