Coneflower Echinacea 'Hot Summer' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Hot Summer', commonly known as coneflower, is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant and colorful appearance. The most remarkable feature is its flowers, which bloom from midsummer to fall. These flowers are characterized by their bold, fiery hues that transition from red to orange and then to yellow as they mature, giving off a warm gradient effect that reflects the heat of the summer season. The coneflower's blossom has a prominent, raised cone-like center that is typically a dark, almost brownish shade accented with hints of orange. This cone is surrounded by slender petals that droop slightly downwards as they radiate out from the center. The petals have a slightly textured surface and their rich colors are intensely pigmented. The foliage of the coneflower is also quite attractive. The leaves are lance-shaped, with a deep green color and a rough, hairy texture. They contrast nicely with the vibrancy of the flowers and provide a lush backdrop that highlights the intense colors of the blooms. The coneflower's overall structure is sturdy, with strong stems that hold the flowers well above the foliage, giving them a prominent display. The plant has a clumping habit, with multiple stems rising from the base, each stem capped with a single, eye-catching flower. This clustered growth pattern allows for a full and bushy appearance that adds to the plant's charm and makes it a fantastic addition to garden borders and beds. Overall, Echinacea 'Hot Summer' presents as a lively and robust plant, radiating warmth through its exceptional color palette. Its striking flowers eventually attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding dynamic life to its surroundings. The coneflower is not only valued for its aesthetic contribution to the garden but also for its herbal properties, as it is commonly used to support the immune system.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hot Summer Coneflower, Hot Summer Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea 'Hot Summer' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, including the Echinacea 'Hot Summer' cultivar, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is actually widely used in herbal medicine, often employed for its immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as gastrointestinal issues if ingested. These cases are typically rare, and the plant is usually safe when used appropriately. It is always important to use plants medicinally only under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid potential risks.
To pets
Coneflower is also recognized as being non-toxic to pets. This includes the Echinacea 'Hot Summer' variety. It's not commonly associated with poisoning in animals, and adverse effects from ingestion are unusual. Nonetheless, individual animals might have sensitivities or allergies that could result in mild gastrointestinal upset. If a pet ingests a large amount of any plant, including coneflower, and exhibits symptoms of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea 'Hot Summer' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Long-blooming period: Offers a long season of color in the garden with its flowers blooming from mid-summer to autumn.
- Easy to grow: It's a hardy perennial that is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
- Visual appeal: With its vibrant, hot-colored flowers, it provides an eye-catching splash of color in landscape and border plantings.
- Low maintenance: Requires little maintenance other than the occasional deadheading to promote additional blooms.
- Adaptable: Can be grown in full sun to light shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea 'Hot Summer' is believed to help stimulate the immune system, potentially reducing the duration and severity of colds and other respiratory infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Components in Echinacea 'Hot Summer' might have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for reducing inflammation-related symptoms.
- Antioxidant Properties: Echinacea contains compounds that may act as antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Wound Healing: Topical applications of Echinacea extracts are thought to promote wound healing and skin repair due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help pollinate nearby plants in the garden.
- Natural Dye: The petals of coneflower can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, producing a range of colors from yellows to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Fish Pond Clarifier: Sometimes, enthusiasts use coneflower leaves in small fish ponds to help clarify the water, as they can have mild antibacterial properties.
- Garden Art: The distinct and sturdy seed heads of the coneflower can be sprayed with paint or left natural and used in decorative arrangements or as part of outdoor garden art installations.
- Crafting: Dried coneflower petals can be used in crafting, for instance, in making potpourri, pressed flower bookmarks, or in homemade paper making.
- Educational Use: Schools and educational programs might cultivate coneflower as a tool to teach students about the lifecycle of plants and the role of pollinators in ecosystems.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not traditionally known for culinary uses, coneflower petals can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads or desserts.
- photography Subject: With their bright colors and attractive form, coneflowers are popular subjects for photographers practicing close-up and macro photography.
- Storm Water Management: Coneflowers are often planted in rain gardens, which are designed to absorb excess rainwater, because they are tolerant of both drought and moist conditions.
- Mood Enhancer: Simply having coneflowers in sight, either in the garden or as cut flowers indoors, can brighten up a space and enhance the mood with their vibrant colors and shapes.
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 Medicine: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is renowned for its purported immune-boosting properties and has been used in herbal medicine to prevent and treat colds.
- Strength and Resilience: The robust nature of the coneflower, with its ability to withstand both hot summers and cold winters, symbolizes strength and the ability to endure challenging conditions.
- Attraction and Magnetism: The bright colors and prominent cones of the 'Hot Summer' variety of coneflower make it attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, symbolizing allure and charm.
WaterConeflower 'Hot Summer' should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to encourage deep root growth. In general, providing about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering, is sufficient. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week. Care should be taken not to overwater, as Echinacea is drought-tolerant and excessive moisture can lead to root rot. It's best to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightConeflower 'Hot Summer' thrives in full sunlight, needing at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. The ideal spot for this plant is in an open area with unfiltered sun exposure to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureConeflower 'Hot Summer' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers to be grown in a climate with temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is hardy in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though optimal growth occurs within the preferred range.
PruningConeflowers, including 'Hot Summer', should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which promotes further blooming and prevents self-seeding if desired. Deadheading can be done throughout the flowering season. In late winter or early spring, cut back any dead stems to the ground, which helps to rejuvenate the plant for the coming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Hot Summer' prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite would create an ideal environment for healthy growth, ensuring good drainage while retaining enough moisture and nutrients.
RepottingConeflower 'Hot Summer' is typically a perennial grown outdoors and doesn't need regular repotting. If grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for its roots.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Hot Summer' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; it thrives well in average outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and do not overwater.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water deeply but infrequently.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Hot Summer', commonly known as coneflower, begins its life as a seed that requires a period of stratification—cold treatment—to germinate effectively. After stratification, seeds sprout in spring and form a rosette of leaves as they enter the vegetative stage, focusing on root and foliage growth. Throughout the summer, the plant transitions into the flowering stage, where it develops tall stems topped with vibrant, daisy-like flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers produce seeds by late summer or autumn, which can be dispersed to create new plants. In winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the roots remain alive, entering a period of dormancy. With the return of warm temperatures in spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, sending up new growth to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Echinacea 'Hot Summer', commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated by division. The best time for dividing coneflowers is either early spring or fall. The process involves carefully digging up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of root is attached to each division. It is important to divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing at, spaced about 1 to 3 feet apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Coneflower can also be propagated through seed, but division is considered a faster and more reliable method for cultivars like 'Hot Summer'.
