Coneflower Echinacea 'Eccentric' (PBR) (d)
ABOUT
The Echinacea 'Eccentric' is a visually striking perennial known for its vibrant and unique coneflowers. The blossoms stand out with their intense red and burgundy hues, which transition to a fiery orange toward the tips of the petals. These multicolored petals radiate around a prominent, dark cone at the center that is spiked and adds to the flower's eccentric look. The coneflowers, with their bold shades and cone-like centers, are a lively focal point in any garden. These showy flowers emerge from sturdy stems that rise above the plant's foliage. The leaves are dark green, broad, and lance-shaped with a rough texture, providing a lush backdrop for the colorful blooms. The overall appearance of Echinacea 'Eccentric' is of a robust and hardy plant that adds a splash of warmth and drama to the landscape with its eye-catching flowers.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Eccentric Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Eccentric' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower is generally considered non-toxic to humans and is commonly used in herbal remedies, particularly for immune system support. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or irritation if they are sensitive. There are no widespread reports of poisoning from ingesting coneflower, but if one experiences unusual symptoms after handling or consuming the plant, they should seek medical advice. It's always important to consult a healthcare provider before using any plant medicinally.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is often considered safe around cats and dogs, and there are no significant reports of poisoning in pets from ingesting this plant. However, individual pets may have different sensitivities, and ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet shows signs of illness after consuming any part of the plant, it would be prudent to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet 6 inches (76 cm)
Spread
1 foot 8 inches (51 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Eccentric' is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, contributing to pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this cultivar of coneflower demonstrates good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Echinacea 'Eccentric' requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a long flowering season, offering vibrant colors throughout much of the summer into fall.
- Deer Resistance: The coneflower is generally resistant to deer, which can help protect your garden from grazing.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, such as borders, wildflower gardens, and as cut flowers for arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: With its distinctive deep reddish-pink blooms and a central cone, Echinacea 'Eccentric' adds visual interest to the garden.
- Hardiness: It is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh winter conditions in many climates.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is widely believed to boost the immune system and reduce the symptoms of colds and flu.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Compounds in Echinacea can have anti-inflammatory effects which might be helpful in reducing symptoms related to various inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant effects: Echinacea contains several compounds that act as antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Antimicrobial action: Echinacea might have mild antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and viruses.
- Wound healing: Topical applications of Echinacea extracts have been explored for their potential to promote wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'Eccentric' can be used as a natural dye, as the cone and petals can produce lovely shades of pink, brown, or green depending on the mordant used.
- This plant's sturdy stems make it a good choice for creating natural plant supports or trellises in the garden for other vines and climbers.
- Dried echinacea stems can be fashioned into rustic wreaths or other decorative craft items for home decor.
- The seed heads of Echinacea can be left in the garden over winter to provide food for birds, particularly finches who are attracted to their seeds.
- Echinacea petals can be used to add color and interest to homemade potpourris, bringing a light, floral fragrance to the blend.
- The fibrous material of the plant, when processed properly, has potential use in the manufacturing of paper or as a natural fiber in textiles.
- Gardeners may use echinacea plants as companion plants to deter unwanted insects with their strong scent, thus benefiting surrounding plants.
- Fallen echinacea petals can be scattered over walkways or mixed in pathways to create a naturally decorative and fragrant ground cover.
- As part of a permaculture garden, echinacea can play a role in attracting beneficial insects, like bees and butterflies, supporting pollination.
- Echinacea can be used in educational settings such as schools and community gardens to teach about native plants and their role in local ecosystems.
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: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is widely known for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system.
- Strength: The sturdy nature of the coneflower reflects resilience and the ability to withstand adverse conditions.
- Purity: The bright and clean appearance of the flower is often associated with purity.
- Beauty: With its vibrant and unique petals, the coneflower signifies beauty in its natural form.
- Resourcefulness: Echinacea is a plant that uses its resources efficiently to thrive, symbolizing resourcefulness.
WaterConeflowers, including the Echinacea 'Eccentric', should be watered deeply to encourage root development. They do not require frequent watering, but when you do water, make sure the soil is soaked thoroughly. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately one inch of water, which is about 0.623 gallons per square foot, is sufficient. In periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease.
LightConeflowers thrive in full sunlight, so the Echinacea 'Eccentric' benefits from being planted in a spot where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is acceptable but may reduce the plant's bloom production and overall vigor. These plants are adaptable but will always perform best with ample sunlight.
TemperatureThe Echinacea 'Eccentric' coneflower is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important not to plant them too early in the spring before the last frost, as they can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
PruningEchinacea 'Eccentric' should be pruned to deadhead spent flowers, which encourages continued blooming throughout the season. In the early spring or late winter, cut back any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and shape. Pruning the coneflowers back after the first killing frost in autumn can help to tidy the plant, but it's also okay to leave the stems and seed heads over the winter for added interest and to provide food for birds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Eccentric' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost, with a preferred pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0.
RepottingConeflower 'Eccentric' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or as needed to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Eccentric' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, maintain dry to medium moisture.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Eccentric' begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that requires stratification—exposure to a period of cold in order to germinate effectively. After stratification, seeds germinate in spring when the soil temperature is warm enough, typically producing a rosette of leaves in their first growing season. The plant develops a deep taproot system that helps it survive periods of drought and recover from winter dormancy. In the following seasons, Echinacea 'Eccentric' grows taller, producing sturdy stems and flower heads with distinctive reddish or purplish-pink, reflexed petals and a raised central cone. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer and is followed by seed set; the dried seed heads can persist into winter and provide food for birds. The plant is a short-lived perennial, but can self-seed in optimal growing conditions, thereby continuing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Echinacea 'Eccentric', commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time to divide Coneflowers is either in the spring or in the early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig around the plant to lift the entire clump from the ground. Using a sharp knife or spade, the clump is then split into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and a few shoots. The newly created smaller clumps should then be planted immediately into their new locations, ideally spaced about 1 to 3 feet apart (30 to 90 centimeters) to allow for mature growth. The divisions should be watered well after planting. This method is effective because it helps rejuvenate older plants, encourages blooming, and provides a simple way to create new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.
