Coneflower Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Big Kahuna', commonly known as coneflower, is distinguished by its striking, large, daisy-like flowers with slightly drooping petals. The blooms exhibit a warm, honey-melon hue, transitioning from a soft orange to peach as they radiate around a prominent, central cone that is typically brownish-orange in color. This cone is surrounded by a fringe of bold petals and adds to the exotic look of the plant, making it a standout in any garden setting. The foliage of the 'Big Kahuna' coneflower is deep green and has a rough texture, which contrasts nicely with the bright and cheerful flowers. The leaves are broad, lance-shaped, and arranged alternately along the stems, providing a lush background for the spectacular blooms. The plant exhibits a bushy habit with sturdy stems that hold the flowers aloft, creating a visual impact. Blooming typically occurs in summer and extends into fall, offering a long season of interest. As a hardy perennial, the coneflower 'Big Kahuna' returns each year to grace gardens with its vibrant presence. It is also known for its wonderful fragrance, which attracts butterflies and other pollinators, adding to the dynamic life in the garden. The 'Big Kahuna' coneflower is not only celebrated for its beauty but also its resilience, providing both aesthetic appeal and reliability.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Big Kahuna Coneflower, Honey Mango Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The coneflower 'Big Kahuna' is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, Echinacea species are widely used for their potential medicinal properties, particularly in enhancing immune function. They are commonly consumed in teas or supplements. However, it is important to note that some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as stomach upset if they are sensitive to the plant or its components. As with any plant or supplement, it is advisable to use it with caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have allergies, are pregnant, or are taking other medications.
To pets
The coneflower 'Big Kahuna' is also not considered toxic to pets. Echinacea species are not commonly associated with poisoning in animals. However, individual pets might show sensitivity or allergic reactions to the plant if they ingest it. It's always best to monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from eating ornamental plants as a precaution. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested part of this plant, you should consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' is known for its ability to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for the pollination of nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional watering, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Long blooming period: The plant flowers from early summer to fall, providing a long season of visual interest.
- Resistant to Deer: It is less palatable to deer, which can be a significant advantage in areas with high deer populations.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as a cut flower in arrangements.
- Rapid Growth: Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' grows fairly quickly, so it doesn't take long to make an impact in the garden.
- Adaptable: It can thrive in a variety of soil conditions as long as there is good drainage.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' is believed to have properties that may enhance the immune system.
- Common cold reduction: It is thought to potentially reduce the severity and duration of the common cold.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant may have compounds that help reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial activity: Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' could possess antimicrobial properties that might be effective against certain bacteria and viruses.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' is often used as a natural dye, where different parts of the plant can create varying hues for fabrics and textiles.
- The sturdy stems can be used in the garden as natural supports for weaker plants or as an organic alternative to stakes for small garden structures.
- The flowers can make colorful and texturally interesting additions to mixed dry floral arrangements or potpourri, lasting for a long period.
- Leaves and petals of Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' can be incorporated into handmade paper to add texture and a touch of nature to the final product.
- The dried flower heads are sometimes used in crafts, such as wreath making, to provide a unique and organic look.
- Its vibrant flowers can be used to create stunning natural jewelry, like pendants and earrings, when coated in a preservative.
- The plant can be used as a living mulch because it can spread densely, thus aiding in soil moisture retention and weed suppression.
- As a teaching tool in schools, Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' can be used to educate students on plant biology and the lifecycle of perennials in ecology lessons.
- In the culinary field, its petals can be used to add color to salads or as decorative garnish on dishes and desserts, provided they have not been treated with pesticides.
- Photographers may utilize the vivid and structured blooms of Echinacea 'Big Kahuna' as a subject for botanical and macro photography, exploring its patterns and colors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as the Coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially its ability to boost the immune system and ward off colds and flu.
- Strength and Durability: The plant's hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions symbolize inner strength and the capability to withstand adversity.
- Purity and Integrity: The Echinacea's bold and upright growth is often seen as a symbol of purity and sincerity.
WaterConeflower 'Big Kahuna' should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, typically in the morning. Water the plant approximately once a week, giving it about 1 inch of water each time, which translates to around 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Adjust watering based on rainfall, as too much water can lead to root rot. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not saturated.
LightConeflower 'Big Kahuna' thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in a spot where it can enjoy uninterrupted daylight. Partial shade is tolerable, but flowering and growth might not be as vigorous as when situated in full sun.
TemperatureConeflower 'Big Kahuna' is hardy and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it prefers to grow in the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can damage new growth, so protect the plant if a late spring frost is expected.
PruningPrune Coneflower 'Big Kahuna' to remove spent flowers, which encourages additional blooming. Pruning can be done throughout the flowering season as needed. In early spring or late winter, you can also cut back the dead foliage to ground level to tidy the plant and make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coneflower 'Big Kahuna' should be well-draining and fertile with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper nutrition and drainage.
RepottingConeflower 'Big Kahuna' generally does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Big Kahuna' thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, tolerant of poor soils.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Echinacea 'Big Kahuna', commonly known as the Coneflower 'Big Kahuna', begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in early spring and develops into a seedling. After germination, the seedling undergoes vegetative growth, producing a clump of rough, hairy leaves at the base and eventually developing sturdy stems. During late spring to early summer, the plant produces flower buds that bloom into large, fragrant flowers with prominent central cones, typically attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following the blooming period in summer, the flowers are pollinated and develop into seed heads, which disperse their seeds in late summer to autumn, completing the reproductive cycle. In winter, the plant undergoes a dormancy period where above-ground growth dies back, while the roots remain alive underground. This perennial plant emerges again from its rootstock the following spring, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The popular method of propagation for Echinacea 'Big Kahuna', commonly known as coneflower, is through division. Division is typically performed in the spring or autumn. During this process, gardeners should carefully dig up an established clump of coneflowers, ensuring a generous amount of roots are attached to each division. The clump should then be separated into smaller sections, either by pulling the roots apart by hand or using a sharp knife to cut through them. Each section should have a decent amount of roots and at least one or two growing points. These new divisions can then be planted into prepared soil with good drainage, spaced approximately 18 inches (around 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Ensure the plants are watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new roots.
