Coneflower Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' (PBR) (Big Sky Series)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' is a perennial plant known for its aesthetically appealing and colorful flowers. This variety of coneflower is part of the Big Sky Series and boasts a warm, rich color palette. The flower heads of 'Harvest Moon' are large and eye-catching, with petals that are commonly a golden-yellow hue and carry a slightly reflexed posture, curving outward and downward as they radiate from the central cone. The central cone itself is prominent and typically has an orange-brown to bronze color, which pairs beautifully with the yellow petals, giving it a captivating contrast. Around the central cones, the petal arrangement presents a full, almost bushy appearance. These vibrant blooms stand out in gardens and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the liveliness of the plant's environment. The plant's foliage consists of dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, enhancing their warm tones. With its striking blooms and attractive color combination, Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' is a standout plant that brings a touch of late summer to early fall allure to any landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Harvest Moon Coneflower, Big Sky Harvest Moon Echinacea.
Common names
Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' (PBR) (Big Sky Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, commonly known as Echinacea 'Harvest Moon', is generally considered safe for human consumption when used appropriately in herbal medicine. However, overconsumption or use by individuals with allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may lead to adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, headache, upset stomach, and an allergic reaction. Chronic overuse or misuse can potentially lead to liver toxicity. People with autoimmune diseases or those taking immunosuppressive medication should consult a healthcare provider before using coneflower due to its immune system effects.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. In fact, Echinacea is often used in small, controlled doses in natural pet supplements to support immune health. However, ingestion of large amounts of the plant material by pets may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, primarily due to the plant's fibrous content. If a pet exhibits these symptoms or any other sign of distress after consuming coneflower, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 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 'Harvest Moon' invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional deadheading to encourage blooming.
- Long Blooming: It provides a long season of colorful flowers, from early summer to fall, enhancing garden aesthetics for an extended period.
- Winter Interest: The dried seed heads can add texture and interest to the winter garden landscape.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in fresh floral arrangements, bringing the garden indoors.
- Deer Resistance: Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' is relatively resistant to deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is an issue.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea is commonly used to help support the immune system, particularly for fighting infections like the common cold.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: It may possess anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Antioxidant Content: Echinacea contains antioxidants that may protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
- Wound Healing: It might be used topically for wound healing due to its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antiviral Activity: There is some evidence suggesting that Echinacea has antiviral properties, which may make it useful against certain viral infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Accessory: Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' adds a warm, golden hue to plant photography, serving as a vibrant backdrop or an eye-catching focal point.
- Artistic Muse: The petals and cone of this Echinacea variety can inspire designs and patterns for artists and textile designers.
- Culinary Garnish: While not a common use, the petals can be used as a colorful, edible garnish on salads and desserts for an unconventional twist.
- Dye Source: The pigments in the petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or craft projects.
- Floral Crafts: Dried flower heads can be incorporated into wreaths, potpourri, or other craft projects for texture and color.
- Education: This plant can be used in horticultural programs to teach about plant breeding and patent rights, given its status as a patented cultivar.
- Garden Theme Planning: It can be an integral part of a 'moon garden' where flowers that reflect moonlight are featured for nighttime visual interest.
- Photographic Reference: The flower structure can serve as a reference for botany students studying the anatomy of flowering plants.
- Seed Harvesting: Hobbyists interested in seed saving can use this variety as a challenging subject due to its patented nature, acknowledging legal restrictions.
- Landscaping: Echinacea 'Harvest Moon' can be used in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
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 traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes and is symbolically associated with healing and strengthening the immune system.
- Endurance and Strength: The hardy nature of coneflowers, which can withstand tough environmental conditions, makes them a symbol of endurance and inner strength.
- Resourcefulness: With the ability to adapt to various growing conditions, coneflowers also represent resourcefulness and versatility.
- Beauty: The attractive and bright appearance of the 'Harvest Moon' cultivar, with its golden-yellow petals, highlights beauty and can symbolize an appreciation for the natural wonder.
WaterEchinacea, commonly known as coneflower, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as coneflowers are drought-tolerant once established. Adjust watering based on rainfall, and reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightConeflower thrives in full sunlight for optimal growth and blooming. Plant it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and poor flowering. Avoid deeply shaded areas for the best displays of its golden-yellow flowers.
TemperatureConeflower is hardy and can survive in a temperature range from about -30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to plant it in an area that avoids temperature extremes to ensure vigorous growth and blooming.
PruningPrune coneflower in late fall or early spring to remove spent flowers and any dead or damaged stems, which promotes healthy growth and more vigorous blooming. Deadheading, or removing the faded flowers during the blooming season, can encourage a second round of blooms. Do not prune back the plants until after they have gone dormant to avoid damaging new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Harvest Moon' thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with compost to provide nutrients. The ideal soil mix should be equal parts garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand for drainage. The preferred soil pH for 'Harvest Moon' coneflowers is between 6.0 and 8.0.
RepottingConeflowers, like 'Harvest Moon', typically do not need frequent repotting as they are largely grown as perennials in gardens. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot is sufficient.
Humidity & Misting'Harvest Moon' Coneflower is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions, thus making it very adaptable. It thrives in the outdoor humidity levels found in most climates where it grows.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Coneflowers.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with good air circulation and drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Echinacea 'Harvest Moon', commonly known as Harvest Moon coneflower, begins with seed germination, typically after a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. The plant then establishes itself with the growth of a rosette of leaves in the first year, focusing energy on developing a strong root system. In its second year and beyond, the Harvest Moon coneflower produces sturdy, branching stems and blooms with its characteristic large, daisy-like flowers with golden-yellow petals and a prominent, cone-shaped center in summer through early fall. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds that can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, enabling the proliferation of new plants. During the fall, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the roots persist through the winter in a state of dormancy. The following spring, the plant resumes growth from its established root base, continuing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Echinacea 'Harvest Moon', also known as coneflower, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow coneflower seeds is in the late fall to early winter. By sowing during this period, the cold stratification process that the seeds require to break dormancy naturally occurs during the winter months. To propagate by seed, simply scatter the seeds on a prepared bed with well-draining soil and lightly cover with about 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) of soil. Water them in gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in the spring as the temperature warms. For some varieties and cultivars, division of the plant is also possible in the spring or fall, but this method is less common for the patented varieties of the Big Sky Series like 'Harvest Moon'.
