Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' (PBR) (Cone-fections Series) (d)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' is a perennial plant that is part of the Cone-fections Series, known for its attractive and colorful blooms. The common name for Echinacea is coneflower, and this cultivar is notable for its vibrant and eye-catching flowers. The blooms are a soft pink, with numerous layered petals that circle around a prominent, cone-shaped center. This center cone starts out green and gradually turns to an intense pink as the flowers mature. The petals have a slightly ruffled appearance, which gives the flower a full, fluffy look, reminiscent of a pink pincushion. The coneflower's petals radiate outwards and slightly downwards from the central cone, creating a distinctive and cheerful display. The plant itself has sturdy stems and dark green leaves that are lance-shaped with a rough texture, forming a lush backdrop for the stunning flowers. The blooms of 'Butterfly Kisses' are known to attract butterflies, adding to the lively and natural ambiance of gardens where this plant is featured. The overall impression is one of charm and resilience, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of whimsy and color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Butterfly Kisses Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses'
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, commonly referred to as coneflower, is not toxic to humans. It is, in fact, often used in traditional herbal remedies, particularly to support the immune system. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, or rashes, especially if they have allergies to other plants in the daisy family. These are typically not symptoms of poisoning but rather adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Care should be taken if the person has a history of allergies or if consuming the plant in medicinal quantities.
To pets
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is generally considered non-toxic to pets. This means that dogs, cats, and other household pets are unlikely to experience poisoning from incidental ingestion of this plant. Nevertheless, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts could possibly cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the novelty and fiber content rather than toxicity. If a pet shows signs of illness after ingesting coneflower, it is prudent to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' features vibrant pink flowers that can add striking visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife - Known for its ability to attract butterflies and bees, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it has a strong tolerance to drought, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance - Requires minimal care once established, cutting down on the need for watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
- Long Blooming - Offers a long blooming season from mid-summer to autumn, providing color for an extended period.
- Hardy Plant - It is a hardy perennial that can survive in a range of conditions and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea, generally, is known for its potential to boost the immune system.
- Cold and Flu Prevention: It's traditionally used to help ward off or reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some components in echinacea have been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant Effects: Echinacea contains compounds that have antioxidant properties.
- Wound Healing: Topical applications of echinacea preparations may aid in wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' can serve as a beautiful subject for artists and photographers, capturing its vibrant colors and distinct form.
- Craft projects: Dried echinacea flowers can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or other decorative craft projects to add natural elements to home decor.
- Educational tool: The plant can be used in botanical studies and gardening workshops to teach about plant growth, pollinators, and native species gardening.
- Landscape design: This variety of echinacea can provide a pop of color in landscape designs, urban green spaces, and public gardens.
- Culinary decoration: Edible petals of Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' can be used to decorate desserts and salads, although one should be cautious and confirm they are safe and pesticide-free.
- Natural dye: The petals of the echinacea plant may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, giving a unique, soft color derived from the flowers themselves.
- Insect habitat: When planted, echinacea can provide a habitat and food source for beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Garden boundary marker: Their distinct height and look can mark the boundaries of garden spaces or plots in a visually appealing way.
- Event theming: Echinacea flowers can be utilized in event theming for weddings or parties, especially those with a natural or garden theme.
- Bouquet addition: Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses' can add an unexpected, eye-catching element to bouquets and other cut flower arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Echinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Echinacea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is renowned for its medicinal properties, often symbolizing health and well-being due to its use in herbal remedies for boosting the immune system.
- Strength and resilience: The sturdy nature of the coneflower, with its ability to withstand harsh conditions, makes it a symbol of inner strength and the capacity to cope with life's challenges.
- Beauty and attraction: 'Butterfly Kisses', as suggested by its name, emphasizes the beauty and allure of the plant, making it a symbol of aesthetics and the power to attract others, much like butterflies are drawn to flowers.
- Purity and simplicity: The simple, yet striking, appearance of the coneflower, along with its pastel colors, often symbolizes purity and an unassuming elegance.
- Prosperity: In certain cultures, the abundant and easy-to-grow nature of the coneflower is a symbol of prosperity, suggesting a bounty in personal growth or material wealth.
WaterConeflowers, including 'Butterfly Kisses', prefer even moisture and should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. During hotter, dryer weeks, a total of about 1 gallon per week is recommended, split into two watering sessions. If rainfall is adequate, less watering may be necessary. Overwatering or water sitting at the root base should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained and allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before the next watering.
LightConeflowers like 'Butterfly Kisses' thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate light shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions. The best spot for the plant is therefore in a sunny border or open area where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day for optimal blooming.
TemperatureConeflowers, such as 'Butterfly Kisses', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, generally from 30°F to 85°F. They are capable of withstanding occasional dips below this range and can tolerate winter cold down to about -30°F. The ideal growing temperatures for best performance are between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningPruning coneflowers like 'Butterfly Kisses' is done to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting back spent flowers, should be done throughout the blooming season. In the fall, after flowering has finished, you can cut the plants back to the ground. Some gardeners leave the seed heads over winter for birds and for winter interest, pruning in early spring instead.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Butterfly Kisses' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a light addition of perlite or sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingConeflowers, including 'Butterfly Kisses', generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. Repotting is typically only necessary if the plant outgrows its current space.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Butterfly Kisses' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and prefers normal outdoor humidity conditions without the need for specific adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright light, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Sunny spot, well-drained soil, occasional watering, hardy.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Butterfly Kisses', commonly known as coneflower, starts its life as a seed that, upon germination, develops into a seedling with basic root structure and cotyledons. As it grows, the seedling transitions into a vegetative stage, where it forms true leaves and a stronger root system, establishing itself as a young plant. During the growth period, the coneflower undergoes a period of vegetative growth each spring, where it increases in size and develops a rosette of leaves. Once mature enough, typically in late spring or early summer, it enters the flowering stage, producing distinctive, pinkish-purple blooms that attract pollinators and can be deadheaded to encourage more blooms. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads that mature and release seeds in late summer or fall, completing one life cycle. In winter, the plant may die back to the ground, especially in colder climates, before re-emerging from its perennial rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Echinacea 'Butterfly Kisses', commonly known as coneflower, is typically propagated by division as it is one of the most popular methods for this particular cultivar and maintains the true qualities of the plant. To propagate by division, the best time is either in the spring as new growth appears, or in the autumn once the flowering has finished and the plant has started to go dormant. You begin by digging up the entire plant, gently shaking off the soil, and then carefully splitting the clump into smaller sections using either your hands or a sharp knife. Each section should have a few shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into well-draining soil, spaced approximately 1 to 1.5 feet apart (which is about 30 to 45 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants. This method helps to rejuvenate older plants as well, encouraging more vigorous growth and flowering.
