Coneflower Echinacea Orange Skipper = 'Echor273' (PBR) (Butterfly Series)
ABOUT
The Echinacea Orange Skipper, part of the Butterfly Series, is an ornamental perennial known for its vibrant blooms and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies to the garden. The primary feature of this plant is its flower head, which consists of a central cone that is typically a rich, brown or orange color, surrounded by petals that radiate outwards. The petals boast a bright orange hue that can vary in intensity, creating a striking contrast against the darker cone. The leaves of the Echinacea Orange Skipper are dark green and have a coarse texture, with a lance-like shape that tapers to a point. They can be arranged alternately along the sturdy stems, which are also green and may have a rough surface. The overall aesthetic of the plant is one of bold color and textures that draw the eye and make it a central feature in gardens where color and pollinator-friendly plants are desired. The flowers of the Echinacea Orange Skipper, with their distinguished cone and lively petal color, have a daisy-like appearance that is familiar and appealing in various garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Coneflower, Orange Skipper Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea Orange Skipper, Echinacea 'Echor273'.
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, various species of Echinacea are widely used in herbal supplements for their perceived immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they have allergies to other plants in the daisy family. If ingested in excessive amounts, parts of the plant could potentially cause nausea, dizziness, or stomach pain. But generally, the Echinacea Orange Skipper is not toxic when handled or ingested in moderate amounts.
To pets
Echinacea, or coneflower, is generally regarded as a non-toxic plant to pets, including dogs and cats. It is often used in small doses in pet supplements for immune support. Nevertheless, if a pet were to consume large quantities of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. However, these symptoms would likely be mild and self-limiting. It is always best to consult a veterinarian if you observe any adverse reactions in your pets after ingestion of plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
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 is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas prone to drought.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is generally low-maintenance, adaptable to various soil conditions, and resistant to many pests and diseases.
- Long Blooming: It produces flowers for an extended period, often from early summer until frost, providing long-lasting color.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for borders, wildflower gardens, or as a focal point, adding structure and vibrancy to a variety of garden settings.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Deer Resistant: Its aromatic leaves and toughness make it less appealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing.
- Ecological Benefits: Supports the local ecosystem by providing habitat and food for wildlife, particularly during the blooming season.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: The vibrant petals of Echinacea can be used for natural dyeing of fabrics, imparting a soft yellow-orange hue to textiles.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking color, Echinacea serves as an excellent subject for macro and nature photography, enabling photographers to capture the intricate details of its form and color.
- Garden Theming: Echinacea can be used in themed garden designs, such as a butterfly or prairie garden, to create a cohesive visual flow and attract pollinators.
- Educational Tool: Schools can utilize Echinacea in teaching botanical science and pollination by observing the plant's interaction with its environment and pollinators.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers of Echinacea are ideal for adding a pop of color to fresh or dried floral arrangements in homes and offices.
- Culinary Decoration: Petals from Echinacea can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding an intriguing visual appeal to dishes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Echinacea plants can provide essential habitat and food for local wildlife, including insects and birds within a backyard or community garden setting.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Echinacea can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Botanical Illustration: Artists and illustrators can use Echinacea as a model for botanical illustration, capturing its complexity and beauty on paper or digitally.
- Scented Sachets: The dried leaves and petals of Echinacea, with their mild scent, can be used to fill sachets for naturally fragrancing drawers and closets.
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 Coneflower, has been used for centuries by Native Americans for its medicinal properties. It symbolizes the ability to ward off illnesses and promote overall health.
- Strength and Resilience: Coneflowers are known for their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms, representing fortitude and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Beauty and Attractiveness: With its bright orange flowers, the Echinacea Orange Skipper adds a splash of color and charm to any garden, symbolizing aesthetic appeal and the power of attraction.
- Connection with Nature: Echinacea plants attract butterflies, symbolizing a close connection with nature and the importance of biodiversity and ecological balance.
WaterConeflower or Echinacea Orange Skipper should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. It's best to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to avoid fungal diseases. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is beneficial, as coneflowers are somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
LightConeflower thrives in full sun, so the Echinacea Orange Skipper should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate some light shade but will produce fewer blooms and may become leggy. The ideal location would be in an open space away from tall structures or trees that could cast shade on the plants.
TemperatureThe Coneflower is a hardy plant that can withstand a range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer highs up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or more without stress.
PruningPruning Coneflower or Echinacea Orange Skipper helps promote a bushier growth pattern and more blooms. Deadheading throughout the blooming season encourages more flowers. Cut back the plants to about 4 inches after the first hard frost in the fall or in late winter before new growth starts. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the flowering season for deadheading and annually for general plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Orange Skipper' thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture that's rich in organic matter. A blend of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand would make an ideal mix. This plant prefers a soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingConeflower 'Orange Skipper' is typically grown as a perennial garden plant and does not require frequent repotting. In a garden setting, dividing the plant every 3-4 years encourages rejuvenation and healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Orange Skipper' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, making it adaptable to many outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright light, well-draining soil, occasional watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, moderate water, hardy.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea Orange Skipper begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given appropriate levels of warmth and moisture, will germinate into young seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they form a rosette of leaves at ground level, before developing a sturdy stem and a deep taproot system that allows the plant to access water and nutrients from deeper in the soil. During the vegetative stage, the leaves and stems of Echinacea Orange Skipper will increase in size, preparing the plant to support the characteristic large and vibrant orange cone-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. After pollination, often by bees, butterflies, and other insects attracted by the flowers' bright colors and nectar, the plant will produce seeds that are distributed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive stage of its life cycle. The plant is perennial and will go into a dormant phase during the colder months, with the above-ground parts dying back, only to regrow the following spring from the rootstock. Over the years, with the right conditions and care, Echinacea Orange Skipper will grow larger and may also be propagated through division to create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter - Early Spring
The Echinacea Orange Skipper, part of the Butterfly Series, can be propagated by division, which is a popular method for this perennial. Divide the plants in the spring or autumn by lifting them from the ground and separating the clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have a few shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions about 1 to 2 feet apart, at the same depth they were previously growing. Water well after planting to establish the new Echinacea plants. This technique allows for the rejuvenation of older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous, while also increasing the number of plants in your garden.
