Coneflower Echinacea Delicious Nougat = 'Noecthree' (PBR) (d)
ABOUT
Echinacea Delicious Nougat, known commonly as the coneflower, is a perennial plant that features a striking appearance with its distinct flowers and foliage. The blossoms are characteristically formed with a central cone that is surrounded by a ring of drooping petals. In the case of Echinacea Delicious Nougat, these petals have a creamy white color that imbues the flower with a soft and inviting look. The central cone stands out with its more intense coloration, which may vary from green to deep shades, adding to the visual contrast against the paleness of the petals. The foliage of this coneflower is typically lush and green, consisting of lance-shaped leaves that have a slightly rough texture. These leaves grow abundantly around the sturdy stems, providing a dense backdrop for the flowers that bloom atop these stems. The overall appearance of the Echinacea Delicious Nougat is one of elegance and garden charm, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of serene beauty to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea Delicious Nougat = 'Noecthree'.
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used in herbal supplements for immune support. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort if they have allergies to plants in the daisy family or if they consume large quantities. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Echinacea.
To pets
Echinacea is not known to be toxic to pets. It's often used in natural remedies for animals as well. However, as with humans, some pets may have allergic reactions or experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant. Always monitor your pet’s reaction to a new substance and consult with a veterinarian if you observe any signs of distress or unusual behavior after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea Delicious Nougat provides nectar and pollen that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering and care.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its unique creamy white flowers with a prominent central cone add beauty and visual interest to a variety of garden settings.
- Long Blooming: The plant produces flowers over a long period, typically from early to late summer, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
- Low Maintenance: Echinacea is known for being easy to care for, requiring little maintenance aside from occasional deadheading to encourage more blooms.
- Hardy Perennial: As a perennial, Echinacea will return year after year, providing a reliable feature in the garden landscape.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant's structure provides shelter and nesting materials for small birds and insects.
- Adaptable: It can thrive in a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a versatile plant for different gardens.
- Container Gardening: Echinacea is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its benefits.
- Garden Design: It can be used in mass plantings, borders, or as a focal point due to its striking appearance.
- Deer Resistant: Echinacea is typically not preferred by deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties- Immune system support - Echinacea is traditionally used to enhance the body's immune response.
- Common cold and flu relief - It may help reduce the severity and duration of these infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - Echinacea can help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in treating various conditions.
- Antioxidant effects - The plant contains compounds that may protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound healing - Topical application of Echinacea extracts can be beneficial in aiding the healing of wounds.
- Antimicrobial activity - Echinacea has been shown to have activity against bacteria and viruses, which may help in preventing or treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Flower Arrangement: Echinacea flowers like Delicious Nougat can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, providing a rustic and natural aesthetic.
- Garden Border Edging: Planted in a row, they can create an attractive, low-maintenance border for garden paths or property lines.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of the Echinacea Delicious Nougat could potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing a soft, earthy color.
- Artistic Muse: Artists and photographers may use the visually striking blossoms as subjects for their work, capturing the beauty of the flowers in different mediums.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be incorporated into educational programs about native plants and their role in local ecosystems.
- Companion Planting: Echinacea can be planted alongside vegetables and herbs in a garden to attract pollinators, thereby enhancing the pollination of other plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: Echinacea plants provide food and habitat for a variety of insects and birds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Echinacea flowers could serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at celebrations.
- Mood-enhancing Landscapes: The bright and cheerful colors of Echinacea flowers can contribute to creating a positive and uplifting environment in both public and private gardens.
- Photography Prop: The distinctive structure and color of Echinacea flowers make them ideal props for photographers specializing in macro and nature photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Echinacea plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is well known for its medicinal properties, especially its ability to boost the immune system and ward off infections.
- Strength and Resilience: Coneflowers are hardy and can thrive in challenging environments, symbolizing one's inner strength and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Integrity: The upright and sturdy stems of the coneflower stand for integrity and honesty in various cultural contexts.
- Beauty: With its appealing aesthetics, the coneflower represents admiration for the beauty in its natural form.
- Attraction: The bright and large flowers of the coneflower are known to attract butterflies, symbolizing a charismatic presence that draws others in.
WaterThe common coneflower, including the Delicious Nougat variety, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during dry spells. Provide about an inch of water weekly, adjusting for rain to maintain moisture levels. A good method is to water deeply at the base of the plant rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to disease. During peak summer heat, you might need to water twice a week. Make sure to reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
LightConeflowers thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting a coneflower like Delicious Nougat is in an open area without tall trees or structures that would create significant shade during the day. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can result in fewer blooms and weaker stems.
TemperatureConeflowers are hardy and adapt well to a range of temperatures, typically between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive colder temperatures down to about -30°F and tolerate summer heat over 85°F, although extreme temperatures might stress the plant. Ensure they are planted in an area protected from harsh winter winds to minimize damage from cold.
PruningPruning coneflowers encourages more blooms and a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the season. After the first hard frost, you can cut back the stems to about 3 inches above the soil if desired, although leaving them through winter can provide food for birds and add winter interest to the garden. Cut back old growth in early spring before new shoots appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coneflower Echinacea 'Delicious Nougat' consists of well-draining garden soil with added compost or aged manure to enrich it. A bit of sand can improve drainage. The ideal soil pH for coneflowers is between 6.0 and 8.0.
RepottingConeflower Echinacea 'Delicious Nougat' does not require frequent repotting and may be repotted every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its container, ideally in the spring.
Humidity & MistingConeflower Echinacea 'Delicious Nougat' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in common outdoor humidity conditions, avoiding overly humid environments which can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, occasional watering.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Echinacea Delicious Nougat, commonly known as the Coneflower, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, often sown in the early spring or by dividing an existing plant. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, entering a vegetative state where it invests energy into building a strong root system and leaf mass. During its growth, Echinacea 'Noecthree' experiences a juvenile phase where it focuses on growth rather than reproduction. Following the juvenile phase, the coneflower reaches maturity and starts the flowering phase, typically in the summer, producing creamy white blossoms with a central cone that attracts pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which are dispersed by wind or wildlife, concluding the reproductive stage. During the winter or in response to adverse conditions, the Echinacea may enter a period of dormancy, only to resume its cycle with the return of favorable growth conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Echinacea Delicious Nougat, commonly known as Coneflower, is by division. Division involves separating an established plant into smaller parts, each with its own set of roots, and replanting them to grow independently. This is usually done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring a good amount of roots with each clump. Gently pry apart or cut the plant into smaller sections, each section should have a decent root mass and several shoots or stems. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, spacing them about 1 to 3 feet apart (which is approximately 0.3 to 0.9 meters), to allow for adequate room to grow. Water the new plantings thoroughly to establish them in their new locations.
