Leilani Coneflower Echinacea 'Leilani' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Leilani' is a cultivar known for its striking flowers and hardiness. The plant typically boasts large, daisy-like blooms with a distinctive appearance. The petals are often a vibrant yellow, which can range from golden to lemony hues. These petals radiate outwards from a central cone that can be orange to brown in color, giving the flower a bold and contrasting heart. The cone is prominent and adds to the visual interest, with its spiky texture that many pollinators find attractive. The foliage of Echinacea 'Leilani' is also noteworthy, with leaves that are usually dark green, rough to the touch, and lance-shaped. The leaves can have a slightly toothed edge, and they grow densely to create a bushy appearance around the sturdy stems. Overall, this Echinacea's showy blooms and lush foliage make it a popular choice in gardens, where its eye-catching colors and textures contribute to a vibrant and dynamic landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Leilani Coneflower, Yellow Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Leilani' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Echinacea, or cone flower, is not generally considered toxic to humans. It is commonly used in herbal remedies for its potential immune-boosting properties. However, if ingested in large quantities or used improperly, it may cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or an allergic reaction, particularly in individuals with allergies to other plants in the daisy family.
To pets
Echinacea, or cone flower, is not known to be toxic to pets. It is often considered safe and is sometimes used as a natural supplement for immune support in dogs and cats. Nonetheless, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, it could potentially experience mild gastrointestinal upset. As with any non-food plant, it is wise to prevent pets from excessive consumption to avoid any possible adverse effects.
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
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea 'Leilani' is known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate your garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Echinacea 'Leilani' is quite resilient to drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners with limited time or those new to gardening.
- Long blooming period: Echinacea 'Leilani' offers flowers from early summer to autumn, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Resistant to deer: The plant is typically not preferred by deer, which can be an advantage in areas with a large deer population.
- Hardy: It is hardy in many climates and capable of withstanding winter conditions in many gardening zones.
- Erosion control: Because of its sturdy roots, it can be used to help control erosion on slopes.
- Adds color and vibrancy: With its bright yellow blossoms, Echinacea 'Leilani' adds vivid colors and liveliness to any garden setting.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea is widely believed to boost the immune system and reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: The plant may help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis or skin irritation.
- Antioxidant Activity: Echinacea contains compounds with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Antiviral Effects: Some studies suggest that Echinacea has antiviral effects, particularly against certain respiratory viruses.
- Wound Healing: Echinacea has been traditionally used to help with wound healing due to its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: Echinacea petals can be boiled to extract a natural dye for coloring textiles with hues of pink or purple depending on the mordant used.
- In homemade skincare products: The flowers can be infused into oils or waxes to create creams and lotions, providing a floral essence and color.
- As an educational tool: Echinacea plants can be used in school projects to teach about pollination and the role of butterflies and bees in ecosystems.
- Garden art: The distinctive cone-like centers and daisy-like petals can be dried and incorporated into natural art installations or crafts.
- As a motif in design: Echinacea's unique shape inspires patterns and designs in textiles, wallpaper, or jewelry.
- Companion planting: Echinacea can be used in gardens to attract beneficial insects, helping to protect neighboring plants from pests.
- In sensory gardens: The plant's different textures, from its spiky cone to its smooth petals, are ideal for gardens designed for tactile experiences.
- For floral photography: Echinacea's striking appearance makes it a popular subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro photography.
- In bookmarks and paper making: Pressed Echinacea flowers can be used to embellish handmade paper or bookmarks, adding an organic touch.
- In festive decorations: Dried Echinacea flowers and seed heads are often used in autumnal wreaths and floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea, commonly known as 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, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system and combating colds and flu.
- Strength and Resilience: Coneflowers are hardy plants capable of withstanding harsh conditions, symbolizing an individual's strength to endure and overcome challenges.
- Integrity: The upright and robust stance of the coneflower can be seen as a representation of honesty and a strong moral compass, inspiring one to remain true to themselves.
- Purity: The coneflower, with its bright and clean appearance, can symbolize purity of spirit and clarity of thought.
WaterConeflower 'Leilani' should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Typically, this means watering once a week with one to two gallons of water, but this can vary based on temperature and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, additional watering may be necessary. In contrast, reduce watering during rainy periods to prevent over-saturation.
LightConeflower 'Leilani' thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting is an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. However, in regions with intense heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureConeflower 'Leilani' performs well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers the warmth of USDA zones 4 through 9. The ideal temperature for growth is between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and handle high summer temperatures upwards of 85°F as long as moisture is adequate.
PruningPrune Coneflower 'Leilani' to remove spent flowers, a practice known as deadheading, which encourages additional blooming through the season. In the late fall or early spring, cut back any dead or old growth to make room for fresh shoots. Pruning is typically done annually, or as necessary, to maintain plant health and aesthetic appeal.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Leilani' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A balanced mix of soil, compost, and perlite aids drainage and fertility. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture.
RepottingConeflower 'Leilani' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or as it outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Leilani' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Echinacea 'Leilani', commonly known as the Leilani coneflower, begins with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. Once sprouted, seedlings grow into juvenile plants with characteristic narrow, dark green leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a strong stem and a wider leaf structure. The next stage is the flowering phase, usually in late spring to early summer, where it produces distinctive bright yellow daisy-like flowers with raised, central cones. After pollination, typically by bees or butterflies, the flowers develop into fruits containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter, where it conserves energy before resuming growth in the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The Echinacea 'Leilani' is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in the spring or fall. In this process, the gardener will carefully lift the established plant from the ground using a garden fork, ensuring a sizable amount of roots come with each section. Once lifted, the clump should be gently pulled apart by hand or divided with a sharp knife into smaller sections, each section should have a few shoots and plenty of roots attached. The divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45.72 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It's important to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This form of vegetative propagation maintains the characteristics of the 'Leilani' cultivar, which is important given that it is a patented variety (as indicated by PBR—Plant Breeders' Rights) and unauthorized propagation may infringe on these rights.
