Species coneflower

coneflower

Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills'

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills') is an amazing plant species. With its vibrant reddish-orange flowers, it blooms profusely from midsummer into fall. The flowers have an unusual shape that resembles a cone with spiky petals, giving them an attractive textured look. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and offers its cheerful blooms even in less-than-ideal soils. It's also drought tolerant and deer and rabbit resistant, making it an excellent low-maintenance addition to any garden. With its unique blossoms, Coneflower (Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills') is an eye-catching and beautiful addition to any outdoor space.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Purple-pink quilled rays surround orange center cone Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple,pink

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills') requires moist, well-drained soil, and should be watered regularly. Water the plant deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil becomes dry. During hot, dry spells, water may need to be applied more often, at least every 3-4 days. During cooler times, water should be applied weekly. It is important to not over-water, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. As a general rule, it is better to keep the roots slightly dry than overly wet.

sunlight

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills') grows best in full sun or partial sun. Plants should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but can handle up to 12 hours of sunlight when it is taken gradually. Early morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for providing the plant with enough light to bring out the vibrant color of the flower petals. When the cone flower is over exposed to the sun it could result in burnt leaves.

pruning

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Quills and Thrills') should be pruned in late winter to early spring, as soon as stems have been exposed to cold temperatures and most of the leaves have been shed. Pruning should be limited to cutting back old flowering stems and removing any dead or diseased foliage. Start by removing any dead stems and leaves and cutting away any bad foliage. Then, prune back the spent flower stems to where the new buds are beginning to emerge. This will encourage healthy new growth and promote larger blooms in the following year. Smaller plants may only require light shaping, while larger plants will likely need more significant pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Coneflowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Coneflowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Can coneflowers grow well in containers?

Yes, coneflowers can grow extremely well in containers. The best container for them is a large one as they prefer a lot of room to grow their roots. Additionally, be sure to use a fertile and well-draining potting soil and water regularly. Potted coneflowers should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilzer and divided yearly in order to ensure optimal health and flowering of these beloved plants.

Could coneflowers be used for landscaping?

Yes, coneflowers can be used for landscaping. They are generally perennials and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, burgundy, and white. They are very hardy and require little attention and care, making them a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping. When planted in clusters, coneflowers bloom throughout the summer and can provide beautiful colors and texture to your garden. Coneflowers are also very attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds and can help you attract wildlife to your yard.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. Coneflowers grow best in sunny locations and their long stems make them an excellent choice for a meadow landscape. They will enjoy sandy or loamy soils that drain well and need supplemental water during periods of drought. They can also be cultivated in areas with higher humidity, although they may require more maintenance and protection from insect pests. Coneflowers will add a splash of beautiful color to the meadow and will attract native bees and butterflies which can help to create a vibrant, natural environment.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. They usually thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. If your meadow soil is too moist, coneflowers may not do well. It's best to prepare the soil with compost or aged manure and always water the plants in the morning to reduce the chances of disease. Coneflowers attract beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds, making them a great addition to any meadow.

Could coneflowers be grown as cut flowers?

Yes, coneflowers can be grown as cut flowers. A few varieties of coneflower, such as 'White Swan' and 'Double Decker', can handle being cut and put in arrangements. However, it is important to wait until the blooms are just beginning to open or fully opened to ensure that they last longer. For best results, cut the stems when the flowers are dry and bring them inside quickly. Proper care for the cut flower coneflowers should include changing water regularly and recutting the stems when needed. In general, coneflowers are an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.

Is it true that coneflowers bloom for a long time?

Yes, it is true that coneflowers bloom for a long time. They are a hardy perennial flower which blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. The flowering period for these plants can last for up to 8 weeks, and the individual flowers last for about 10 days each. Coneflowers are a great addition to any garden, with their vibrant colors, long bloom time and ability to attract butterflies making them an excellent choice for any garden.

Should coneflowers be mulched in the winter?

Yes, coneflowers should be mulched in the winter. Mulching coneflowers helps to protect them from the elements, such as cold temperatures and harsh winds. It also helps to promote water retention and prevent weed growth. For optimal results, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the coneflowers, making sure to keep it slightly away from the stems and leaves. For added protection, consider using a thick layer of evergreen boughs or leaves. Just remember to remove the layer of mulch when temperatures rise in the spring, as the added protection can prevent the coneflower from getting its required light and water.

Are coneflowers biennial or perennial?

Coneflowers are generally thought of as a perennial flower, meaning that they can last for multiple years in an area and will be able to grow again year after year. While some coneflowers have the potential to be grown as a biennial, meaning that they will need to reseed and start over again after two years, they are more commonly grown as a perennial. This means that they will last much longer and can provide vibrant and cheerful blooms year after year.