Coneflower Echinacea Delicious Candy = 'Noortdeli' (PBR) (d)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Echinacea Delicious Candy, commonly known as coneflower, is a vividly ornamental perennial that showcases a striking display of richly colored flowers. The blossoms are characterized by a prominent, cone-shaped center that is surrounded by a halo of slender, overlapping petals. The central cone is often a deep brown or orange hue, which creates a delightful contrast against the petals. The petals themselves are noteworthy for their vibrant pink color, which exudes a candy-like radiance, hence the name 'Delicious Candy'. They are typically arranged in a single layer around the central cone and curve slightly downwards, giving the flower a distinct and decorative look. Additionally, the plant's foliage presents an appealing backdrop for its flowers. The leaves are typically bright green, with a lance-shaped or ovate form and a slightly toothed edge, adding texture to the overall appearance of the coneflower. The stems are upright and sturdy, offering firm support to the flower heads which demand attention in any garden setting where they are planted. Overall, without addressing its precise dimensions, the Echinacea Delicious Candy is a colorful and attractive plant, revered for its showy blooms that bring a splash of color wherever they grow.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae
- Synonyms
  Coneflower, Delicious Candy Coneflower
- Common names
  Echinacea purpurea 'Noortdeli'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Echinacea is commonly known for its medicinal properties and is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, it is often used in herbal remedies to boost the immune system and fight infections. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as an upset stomach, nausea, or dizziness if they are allergic to the plant or use it in excessive amounts. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using echinacea or any other herbal supplements.
- To pets
  Echinacea is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is often used in natural pet remedies for similar immune-boosting effects as seen in humans. However, ingestion in large quantities could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. If a pet is known to have ingested a large amount of echinacea and is displaying symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian. Generally, echinacea is considered safe for pets when used appropriately.
Characteristics
- Life 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
- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea Delicious Candy is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this variety of echinacea is able to withstand periods of low water availability.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered low maintenance, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming: Echinacea Delicious Candy has a long flowering season, providing color from mid-summer to early fall.
- Cut Flower: The vibrant flowers make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and bouquets.
- Garden Appeal: Bright, candy-pink flowers add a pop of color to garden beds and borders.
- Resistant to Deer: Typically, echinacea is not a preferred plant for deer, which helps prevent damage in areas with deer populations.
- Hardiness: It's hardy in many climate zones, making it adaptable to a variety of garden settings.
Medical Properties
- Immune system support: Echinacea is traditionally used to enhance the immune system, potentially helping to ward off colds and other infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce symptoms in various inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant action: Echinacea contains compounds with antioxidant properties that could protect cells from oxidative damage.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Echinacea Delicious Candy can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of Echinacea can be used in basket weaving and crafting, offering a rustic aesthetic and durability.
- The dried seed heads of the Echinacea can serve as natural bird feeders in the garden, attracting finches and other seed-eating birds during the fall and winter months.
- Echinacea flowers can be used in floral art, such as pressing for bookmarks or framing, due to their vibrant colors and strong petals.
- The plant's roots can be macerated in water to create a natural insect repellent for gardens, though effectiveness may vary.
- Echinacea petals can be used to add color and a mild flavor to salads or as an edible garnish on desserts and cold dishes.
- When dried, Echinacea leaves can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle, herby fragrance.
- Echinacea can be used in companion planting to potentially improve the growth and flavor of mint, as they are said to be good garden companions.
- The hollow stems of Echinacea can be cut into segments and used as beads or decorative elements in DIY jewelry making.
- Whole Echinacea plants, when dried, can be used as part of decorative autumn displays or as natural rustic Christmas decorations.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Health: Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, often symbolizes health and wellbeing due to its medicinal properties, as the plant has been traditionally used to boost the immune system and combat infections.
- Strength: The sturdiness and robust nature of the Coneflower signify strength and resilience, possibly because it can resist harsh conditions and still thrive.
- Healing: With its history in herbal medicine, the Coneflower is often associated with healing, both physical and spiritual, as it is thought to purify and restore balance.
- Integrity: The upright stance of the Coneflower reflects integrity and an honest, straightforward approach to life's challenges.
- Beauty: The vibrant colors and attractive form of the Coneflower represent beauty and a sense of joy, which can also signify admiration and inspiration in the presence of natural splendor.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the cone flower, known as Echinacea, it's important to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. When establishing new plants, water them once a week with one inch of water, either by rain or manual watering. Once established, Echinacea is drought tolerant and should only be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry. During hot and dry periods, you may need to water the plants once a week, but in cooler, wetter conditions, watering may only be necessary every two to three weeks. It's best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry thoroughly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Light
Coneflower, or Echinacea, thrives best in a location that receives full sun for at least six to eight hours a day. The plant can tolerate some light shade, especially in the afternoon, but too much shade can result in weak stems and fewer blooms. The ideal spot for a coneflower would be in a garden spot that gets unfiltered sun most of the day to ensure vigorous growth and plentiful flowering.
Temperature
Coneflower, or Echinacea, is hardy and can typically endure temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy and can survive summer highs up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its ideal growing temperature range is between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can handle the occasional dip below the ideal minimum, and some varieties are tolerant of higher maximum temperatures provided they are well-watered.
Pruning
Pruning coneflower, or Echinacea, encourages more blooms and helps maintain the plant's shape. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season can promote continuous flowering. Cut back the plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; this will stimulate healthy new foliage and flowers. Echinacea typically needs to be pruned once a year, although deadheading can be done as often as needed throughout the blooming season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
For the Coneflower (Echinacea Delicious Candy), a well-draining soil mix is ideal. It should be rich in organic matter such as compost or aged manure to provide nutrients. A soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0 is suitable for this plant. One possible mix could be 60% garden soil, 30% compost, and 10% perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Repotting
Coneflowers (Echinacea Delicious Candy) typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. They should be repotted if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil is depleted, which usually happens every 3-4 years. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Coneflowers (Echinacea Delicious Candy) are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity. They can thrive in average outdoor humidity conditions. It's important to maintain adequate air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, water moderately, maintain good air flow.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space 18 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA.
Life cycle
Echinacea 'Delicious Candy', commonly known as Coneflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperature and moisture levels are adequate. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, forming a small rosette as it enters the vegetative stage. During this stage, the plant focuses on root and foliage growth, preparing for future flowering. By the second or third year, the plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, typically in early to mid-summer, producing vibrant, daisy-like flowers with a prominent central cone. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies, the flowers produce seeds by late summer or fall, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, perpetuating the life cycle. The plant then goes dormant in winter, with the roots surviving underground to sprout new growth the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Echinacea Delicious Candy, commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated by seed or division. The most popular method for propagation of coneflower is by seed. To do so, it is best to sow the seeds in the fall or late winter. Outdoor sowing should be done by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil, as they require light to germinate, but they should not be covered with soil. The soil temperature should be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Indoors, seeds can be started in trays or pots with a seed starting mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination, which usually takes 10-20 days. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and can be handled, they can be transplanted into individual pots or direct into the garden after the risk of frost has passed.