Coneflower 'Marmalade' Echinacea 'Marmalade' (PBR) (Cone-fections Series) (d)
ABOUT
'Marmalade' is a clump-forming, upright perennial to around 65cm tall with roughly hairy foliage. Double flowers borne from early summer have drooping, pale yellowish-orange ray florets topped with large, rounded, pompom-like cones with darker orange disc florets
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coneflower, Marmalade Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Marmalade'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2 feet 4 inches (0.71 meters)
Spread
1 foot 8 inches (0.51 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Marmalade' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Echinacea 'Marmalade' is quite tolerant of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant offers a long bloom time from midsummer to fall, providing extended color and interest in the garden.
- Hardiness: Echinacea 'Marmalade' is a hardy perennial that can survive tough winter conditions in many climates.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its warm orange blooms, it provides a striking visual interest and can be used to create vibrant color contrasts in garden beds and borders.
- Produces Cut Flowers: The blooms of Echinacea 'Marmalade' make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife Habitat: It can provide a habitat and food source for wildlife, including birds that feed on the seeds once the flowers have finished blooming.
Medical Properties- Immune system support - Echinacea 'Marmalade' is commonly used to boost the immune system.
- Common cold and flu relief - It may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties - The plant has been associated with reducing inflammation in the body.
- Wound healing - Topical applications can aid in healing minor wounds, cuts, and skin irritations.
- Antioxidant content - Echinacea contains compounds that can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: Echinacea flowers can be used in dried floral arrangements or pressed flower art due to their vibrant colors and robust structure.
- Photography Subjects: With their unique appearance, these flowers provide a striking subject for nature and macro photography enthusiasts.
- Garden Aesthetics: Echinacea is often used to create a themed garden space, such as a butterfly or a cottage garden, because of its attractiveness to pollinators and rustic charm.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of Echinacea can be used to produce natural dyes for coloring fabrics with hues of pink, purple, and green.
- Edible Decor: The petals of Echinacea are edible and can be used to stylishly decorate cakes and desserts, adding a touch of color and whimsy.
- Teaching Tool: Echinacea plants can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of perennials.
- Bird Attraction: The seed heads of these flowers, if left intact during the winter, can attract birds who feast on the seeds, adding life and activity to the garden.
- Garden Borders: Echinacea plants, due to their height and volume, can serve as natural borders or dividers in garden layouts.
- Companion Planting: Echinacea is used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects and thus protect other plants in the garden by creating a balanced ecosystem.
- Potpourri Ingredients: Dried Echinacea flowers can be included in potpourri mixtures for their color and mild natural scent.
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 Health: Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, symbolizes healing due to its medicinal properties that are reputed to boost the immune system and ward off sickness.
- Strength and Resilience: The Coneflower is a hardy plant that can thrive in poor conditions, representing strength and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Integrity and Honesty: With its upright stems and bold colors, the Coneflower is often associated with attributes of integrity and honesty.
WaterConeflower, known commonly as Echinacea 'Marmalade', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep rooting, while allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Generally, this equates to about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or manual watering. During prolonged dry spells or hot weather, increase watering to twice weekly, ensuring each time that the equivalent of 1 inch of water saturates the soil. Overhead watering is less preferred to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In wetter climates or during spring and fall, water may only be needed once every two weeks or less if there is sufficient rainfall.
LightConeflowers thrive in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Echinacea 'Marmalade' prefers a spot where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. Partial shade is acceptable, particularly in hotter climates, but may reduce the plant's vigor and the vibrancy of its blooms.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for the Coneflower is between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about -30°F and can withstand high summer temperatures, provided it is well-watered. However, the plant grows best when daytime temperatures are within the noted ideal range.
PruningPruning coneflowers, like Echinacea 'Marmalade', is important for promoting fuller plants and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plant to about 4 inches above ground level after the first hard frost in fall or in early spring before new growth begins. This yearly pruning will keep the plants healthy and vigorous.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Marmalade' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0.
RepottingConeflowers such as 'Marmalade' do not require frequent repotting and can typically remain in the same spot for several years.
Humidity & Misting'Marmalade' coneflower prefers average garden humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air flow; avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Choose sunny spot with well-draining soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Marmalade', commonly known as Coneflower, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the spring, when soil temperatures warm sufficiently. Once germinated, the seedlings establish a basal rosette of leaves and a strong root system. In its first year, the plant focuses on vegetative growth, developing foliage and storing energy in its roots. The following growing season, Echinacea 'Marmalade' will enter its flowering stage, producing distinctive orange blossoms with a cone-shaped central disc that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and mature, which are then dispersed by wind, birds, or other mechanisms. The plant may die back to the ground in winter, especially in colder climates, but as a perennial, it will regrow from its rootstock each spring for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Echinacea 'Marmalade', commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to propagate by division is either in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate, carefully dig up an established clump of Echinacea 'Marmalade' and gently separate it into smaller clumps, making sure each division has a good root system and at least one growing point or bud. The divisions can then be replanted into well-draining soil with appropriate spacing to accommodate growth, typically around 18-24 inches apart. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting and continue to provide regular water as they establish themselves in their new location.
