Coneflower 'Hot Papaya' Echinacea 'Hot Papaya' (PBR) (Cone-fections Series) (d)
ABOUT
'Hot Papaya' is an upright perennial, to 90cm tall, with hairy, toothed, oval leaves forming strong, bushy growth. Fragrant, double flowers of drooping dark orange ray florets surrounding the red-orange pompom-like centre are borne on strong stems, with maroon markings, in summer and early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hot Papaya Coneflower, Hot Papaya Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea 'Hot Papaya'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
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 'Hot Papaya' tends to draw in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is able to withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry climate gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This Echinacea variety is known for being easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: 'Hot Papaya' has a long flowering season, offering vibrant color from early summer to fall.
- Cut Flower Garden Addition: The bold, colorful blooms are perfect for creating striking arrangements in cut flower gardens.
- Landscape Focal Point: The unique, fiery red-orange flowers can serve as a striking focal point in landscaping designs.
- Cold Hardy: It is resistant to cold temperatures, making it a suitable perennial for many temperate climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with no need for special treatments or complex pruning routines.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, which helps to prevent it from being eaten in gardens with deer presence.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other ornamental plants, Echinacea 'Hot Papaya' does not tend to spread uncontrollably.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is commonly believed to stimulate the immune system and help ward off infections.
- Cold and flu treatment: Some people use Echinacea to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Echinacea has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation-related symptoms.
- Wound healing: Traditionally, Echinacea has been used to help heal wounds and skin problems due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant content: Echinacea contains compounds with antioxidant properties, potentially helping to protect the body from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea Hot Papaya can be used as a natural dye, producing colors ranging from pale yellow to deep orange depending on the part of the plant used and mordant applied.
- The sturdy stems of Echinacea Hot Papaya can be dried and used for basket weaving or as natural support stakes for other plants in the garden.
- Florists may use the dried seed heads of Echinacea Hot Papaya in floral arrangements for their unique texture and visual interest.
- These flowers can be pressed and used in art projects such as botanical prints or in the creation of natural jewelry.
- Echinacea Hot Papaya petals can be incorporated into homemade paper to create decorative and textured paper for crafts.
- The blooms can be used as a natural fabric embellishment by sewing them into eco-friendly garments or accessories.
- Gardeners may use the plant as a companion for vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing overall garden health.
- Birdwatchers often plant Echinacea Hot Papaya in their yards as the seed heads, once dried, attract finches and other seed-eating birds.
- Echinacea Hot Papaya can be used in the creation of natural holiday decorations, such as wreaths or garlands, when dried.
- The plant can be teaching material for educational gardens or botany lessons, demonstrating plant growth, pollination, and lifecycle to students.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Echinacea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Medicine: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system and fighting infections.
- Strength and Stamina: The hardy nature of the coneflower, able to withstand tough environmental conditions, symbolizes physical strength and endurance.
- Attraction and Magnetism: The vibrant 'Hot Papaya' variety, with its fiery red-orange blooms, suggests a sense of attraction and magnetism, drawing in both admirers and pollinators alike.
- Purity and Simplicity: Coneflowers are often associated with simplicity and purity due to their simple petal structure and unadorned beauty.
WaterConeflower 'Hot Papaya' should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once or twice a week is generally sufficient, depending on climate conditions. Each watering session should provide the plant with approximately one inch of water, which translates to around 0.6 gallons for a small plant. During the fall and as the plant goes dormant in winter, reduce watering frequency. Keep in mind that overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and adjust watering based on rainfall.
LightConeflower 'Hot Papaya' thrives in full sun conditions, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. A spot that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of late afternoon is ideal. If planting in a garden, make sure to choose an area that is unobstructed by trees or buildings to ensure adequate light exposure.
TemperatureConeflower 'Hot Papaya' prefers temperate conditions and can generally withstand temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for USDA zones 4 through 8. Ideal growth is observed in the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can tolerate heat, prolonged temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant.
PruningPruning Coneflower 'Hot Papaya' is beneficial for plant health and aesthetics. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding. In late fall or early spring, cut back the dried stems to about 4 inches above ground level to tidy the plant and promote new growth. Additionally, removing any damaged or diseased foliage as needed helps maintain plant vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Hot Papaya' thrives best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite can provide the ideal growing conditions. Regularly amending the soil with organic matter will help maintain its fertility and structure.
RepottingThe coneflower 'Hot Papaya' typically does not need frequent repotting as it is a perennial garden plant. However, if growing in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot, using fresh, well-draining soil mix.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Hot Papaya' is accustomed to outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels. It is quite tolerant of varying environmental conditions and will thrive in the ambient humidity found in typical garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow near a sunny window and water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, water regularly, and protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Hot Papaya', commonly known as Coneflower, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed that requires stratification to break its dormancy. Upon germination in spring, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and produces its characteristic deep green foliage. Throughout the summer, the Coneflower blooms with vibrant, red-orange, pompom-like flowers with a darker, cone-shaped center, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which can persist into the fall and winter, providing food for birds. In the subsequent seasons, the Echinacea 'Hot Papaya' can continue its life cycle by self-seeding or being divided and propagated by gardeners.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Echinacea 'Hot Papaya', commonly known as coneflower, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide coneflowers is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in peak bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to maintain as much of the root system as possible. Gently tease apart the clump into smaller sections, each with a good piece of root and a few shoots. Replant these divisions promptly into well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Dividing echinacea not only helps to propagate new plants but also invigorates the parent plant, encouraging more robust growth and flowering.
