New in the Nursery: Echinacea

Commonly known as Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea is one of our favorite blooms for high summer. Recently, a fresh collection of Echinacea varieties arrived in our nursery, bringing a welcome infusion of color to our perennial selection. Native to eastern regions of North America, coneflower blooms from spring through late summer. Purple is the most common shade for its cheerful flowers, but ornamental cultivars are available in a wide variety of hues-- as evidenced by the sign above. Coneflowers prefer loamy or sandy soils in well-drained area; the hardy plants can also tolerate high summer heat and dry conditions. Echinacea derives its name from the Greek word echinos, meaning hedgehog-- a reference to the prickly scales on its seedhead.

A popular addition to cutting gardens, coneflowers are easy to dry for long-lasting arrangements. They also bring color to the garden by attracting several species of butterflies and hummingbirds. If seedheads are allowed to develop, Echinacea is self-seeding and will reappear in the garden year after year. Traditionally used by Native Americans as a "cure-all" and treatment for infections, it remains a popular herbal remedy for boosting the immune system. Visit us in Glen Mills and Westport to see which varieties are in stock for summer. 

Throughout the season, our plant team highlights their freshest additions to the garden with New in the Nursery.