Coneflower Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Amazing Dream', also commonly known as cone flower, exhibits a vibrant display of daisy-like flowers. These blooms are characterized by a prominent, cone-shaped central disk that is a warm, dark orange or brownish color. This central cone is surrounded by petals that radiate outwards. The petals are a bold pink to magenta hue, with a tendency to fade slightly towards the edges, giving them a dreamy appearance. The leaves of the cone flower are typically dark green, with a coarsely toothed edge, creating a rough texture. They are lance-shaped, adding to the plant's overall lush foliage. Cone flower plants have sturdy stems that hold the flowers upright and maintain their structure, ensuring that the blooms have a prominent position in any garden display. Overall, Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' exudes a strong, eye-catching presence. Its flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding a lively, dynamic component to its allure. When in bloom, the cone flower is a highlight with its rich, deep colors and striking form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coneflower, Purple Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, generally known as Echinacea, is not considered to be toxic to humans. Consequently, ingestion of Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' should not result in poisoning. However, some people might experience allergic reactions or stomach upset if they have sensitivities to this plant or ingest it in large quantities.
To pets
Coneflower, the common name of Echinacea, is typically considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Therefore, Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' is not expected to cause poisoning if a pet ingests parts of the plant. As with any non-food plant, eating large amounts might lead to mild stomach upset in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Long blooming season: It blooms for an extended period, typically from early summer to autumn, providing prolonged visual interest in the garden.
- Low maintenance: This variety of echinacea requires minimal care once established, apart from occasional deadheading to encourage more blooms.
- Deer resistance: The plant is not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Colorful blooms: The 'Amazing Dream' variety has vibrant pink flowers that add a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
- Structural interest: With its sturdy stems and coneflower shape, it adds interesting form and texture to the landscape.
- Easy to propagate: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Versatile landscaping plant: It works well in mixed borders, naturalized areas, cottage gardens, and prairie plantings.
- Cut flower use: Its flowers are excellent for cutting and can be used in fresh bouquets.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' is part of the Echinacea genus which is commonly used to support the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Echinacea can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antiviral activity: Some Echinacea species have been found to possess antiviral properties that may be effective against certain viruses.
- Wound healing: Echinacea has been traditionally used to aid in wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Upper respiratory infections: Echinacea is often used to manage symptoms and duration of colds and other upper respiratory infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insectary Planting: Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' attracts beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings, which help control pest populations in the garden.
- Natural Dye: The petals and cones of Echinacea can be used to create natural dyes with varying shades of pink, brown, and green for fabrics and yarns.
- Craft Projects: Dried Echinacea flower heads can be incorporated into wreaths, dried flower arrangements or potpourri for a touch of natural beauty in home crafts.
- Garden Art: A stand of Echinacea plants, with their distinctive structure, can be planted to create living sculptures and contribute form and texture in landscape design.
- Wildlife Shelter: The sturdy stems and seed heads of Echinacea provide shelter and nesting materials for small birds and insects during the off-season.
- Educational Resource: Schools and children’s gardens can use Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' to teach about plant lifecycles, pollination, and native biodiversity.
- Photography Subject: With their striking appearance, Echinacea flowers make excellent subjects for photography, allowing artists to capture the beauty of nature.
- Seed Harvesting: Mature Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' flowers can be a source for harvesting seeds, either to grow more plants or for use in bird feed mixes.
- Boundary Planting: Using Echinacea 'Amazing Dream' as a natural boundary can define spaces within a garden while providing a colorful display.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not typically consumed, fresh or dried Echinacea petals can decorate plates and cakes for an elegant, floral touch.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Commonly referred to as coneflower, Echinacea symbolizes healing due to its widely recognized use in herbal medicine for boosting immunity and fighting infections.
- Strength and Resilience: The hardiness and robust nature of the coneflower reflect its symbolism for strength and the ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Beauty: With its vibrant and striking flowers, the coneflower is often associated with beauty, representing a natural aesthetic that is both bold and understated.
- Interconnectedness: Native American traditions utilized Echinacea in various herbal remedies, signifying the plant's connection to the wisdom of nature and the interdependence between people and plants.
WaterThe coneflower 'Amazing Dream' prefers consistent moisture, especially during its blooming period and establishment years. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. An inch of water weekly, whether from rainfall or manual watering, is generally sufficient. Adjust watering during extremely hot or dry conditions by providing an additional half to one gallon of water to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy.
LightConeflower 'Amazing Dream' thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flower production. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and a weaker plant. The best spot for this coneflower would be in an area where it receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day.
TemperatureConeflower 'Amazing Dream' is hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 85°F; however, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F and 75°F. This perennial is adaptable to various climates but may require mulching in winter to protect its roots in colder zones.
PruningPruning the coneflower 'Amazing Dream' is important to maintain its shape and encourage more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Full pruning should occur in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or broken stems. Pruning should not be too severe; cutting back about a third of the growth is usually enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflowers (Echinacea 'Amazing Dream') thrive in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix for these plants is one-third garden soil, one-third compost, and one-third coarse sand or perlite for drainage. Regular application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will help maintain their vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
RepottingConeflowers (Echinacea 'Amazing Dream') typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years, or when overcrowding is noticed, is sufficient. The best time to do so is in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingConeflowers (Echinacea 'Amazing Dream') are not particularly sensitive to humidity levels and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions. They do well in average outdoor humidity and do not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide Coneflowers with bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Amazing Dream' (PBR), commonly known as Coneflower, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates when soil temperatures are warm enough, typically in spring. The seedling emerges and grows into a vegetative plant with lance-shaped leaves, developing a deep taproot that helps it survive periods of drought. The plant matures and produces distinctive pink flowers with a cone-shaped center, usually in the second year after planting. These flowers are pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies, leading to the production of seeds that are distributed by wind or wildlife. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy in winter, where above-ground shoots die back, but the plant survives underground through its root system. The life cycle repeats when the plant re-emerges the following spring, showing growth and eventually flowering again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Echinacea 'Amazing Dream', commonly known as coneflower, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide Echinacea is in early spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Echinacea and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with a portion of the crown and some attached root. These divisions should be immediately replanted at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spaced about 1 to 2 feet apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) to give them enough space to thrive. It is essential to water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation is popular for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to quickly expand their collection of Echinacea 'Amazing Dream'.
