The coneflower flowering plant belongs to the daisy family and has nine species under its genus, flowering more than a hundred different types of coneflowers.A winning species in ornamental and medicinal usage, coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a distinct appearing flower with its leaves drooping instead of standing firm and bright. Nonetheless, the flower looks extremely beautiful with its variety of vibrant colors.Coneflowers or Echinacea purpurea are perennial plants species grown in the wildflower gardens of North America. The flowering plant is extremely versatile. It grows both under the sun and in partial shade. It is drought tolerant, survives overly or well-drained soil, and can adapt to climate changes with utmost versatility; certainly a wildflower! Purple coneflowers or Echinacea purpurea have been among the most popular choices from Echinacea species, besides nine other species containing: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea atrorubens, Echinacea laevigata, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea paradoxa, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea sanguinea, Echinacea simulata, and Echinacea tennesseensis. If you find something eating your coneflower petals, it might be a plant invader called aphids.Plant Classification of The ConeflowerThe purple coneflower is a flowering plant popular for its resilient nature and honey-like scent, though its usage as a medicinal herb is another reason for its wide prominence. Purple coneflowers are resistant to nature’s harshness and own protective anatomy to keep them safe from too many animals and insects.The purple coneflower gets its name from the Greek word ’ekhinos’ for the term Echinacea, which directly translates to ‘sea urchin,’ referring to the plant’s spiny central cone.Coneflowers are initially odorless, but as they grow, they induce a honey-like sweet smell, and after aging, they start emitting a vanilla-like scent.The purple coneflower is known to be ‘deer resistant’ due to its spiny cone.Stems of coneflowers generally have a single flower head.The bright foliage of a purple coneflower often carries hues of different colors.Coneflowers can produce long petioles with a rough texture and serrated edges.Coneflowers are known to be drought-tolerant as they are low maintenance, growing easily in the wild.Coneflowers can grow both under the sun and in partial shade.The cone-like centers are the spiny part of coneflowers.Different from the usual purple-hued coneflowers, the Tennessee coneflower carries a greenish-pink center.The coneflower blooms from June to September.Colors Of ConeflowersThe purple coneflower is the most widely found flower in the Echinacea species, but now, a wide range of many other colors are available for coneflowers in different species from the same genus. All of them attract butterflies with their vibrancy and sweet smell.A coneflower with bright mango-colored leaves is a combination of Echinacea paradoxa and E. purpurea alba.Piet Oudolf discovered Echinacea purpurea, with light green petals and a dark green cone.The rose pink-colored echinacea seed heads are puff and have a darker pink color.Flowers with orange rays, petals, and brown cones hold their color for the longest time.The salmon-colored echinacea is a double-flowered species carrying coral rays.The ‘Fragrant Angel’ or white coneflower has reflexed petals and a honey fragrance.Echinacea purpurea with green rays carries a different appearance due to its purple petals ending with light green hues.Echinacea in shades of red carries a smaller stature as compared to others. These are best for indoors.Yellow echinacea appears like mini sunflowers and keep losing their color to creamy hues as they age.The most widely known Echinacea species are the purple coneflower, which carries a beautiful purple color.Where does the coneflower grow and how do you take care of it?The flowering plants of Echinacea species grow near the eastern and central parts of North America. It is a wildflower and capable of growing in the most fluctuating weather conditions. The resilient species of this flowering plant is best grown in late spring, as it grows and blooms or seeds into beautiful purple coneflowers in mid or late-summer weather.It requires dry to moderately drained soil.Coneflowers require ample sunlight to bloom; keep them under the full sun for a few hours.Propagating a coneflower plant through seeds is the easiest way to grow it.Spring or fall is the best time to sow the seeds.Prepare a uniform mixture of compost and soil for your coneflowers.Coneflowers are prone to disease and pests. The best way to keep it at bay is pesticides. If the disease is too severe to repair, deadheading is the only solution to stop the spread among other plants.Refrain from compost or fertilizer overfeeding. Too much can curb the growth of plants and flowers.Deadheading can often encourage frequent blooms.Periodic pruning is necessary to encourage growth.Coneflowers attract excellent pollinators, so keep your plant outdoors.Medicinal Uses Of ConeflowersEchinacea purpurea has been an active participant in native herbal remedies with unmatched healing properties. The genus Echinacea from the Asteraceae family, as a whole, comprises countless medicinal properties, probably why it is an Endangered species now. Roots and aerial parts of the Echinacea purpurea are recommended to heal illnesses.Coneflowers are scientifically proven medicinal herbs capable of improving diverse medical conditions.Purple coneflower is beneficial for sore throat.The anti-microbial properties of purple coneflower eliminate germs.Coneflowers are prominently used to boost the immune system when consumed in tea form.Echinacea supplement is a beneficial remedy for the common cold.Using purple coneflowers as herbal medicine started amongst Native Americans.The juice of its root heals toothache and sore throat.The protective phototype in purple coneflower is an effective treatment for snake bites, which is where it also received the name of ‘snake oil.‘Native Americans discovered the healing properties of purple coneflower by observing wild animals.
The coneflower flowering plant belongs to the daisy family and has nine species under its genus, flowering more than a hundred different types of coneflowers.
