Coneflower 'Papallo Semi-Double Pink' Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' (Papallo Series) (d)
ABOUT
'Papallo Semi-Double Pink' is a clump-forming perennial to around 60cm tall with ovate, hairy leaves. Semi-double flowerheads of drooping pale pink ray florets surrounding a deeper pink central cone are borne on upright, branching stems from summer into autumn
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts beneficial insects: Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are important for the pollination of plants and the overall health of the garden ecosystem.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it is very tolerant of drought conditions, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once it is established in the right conditions.
- Long blooming period: The flowers of Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' have a long blooming season, often from early summer to autumn, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: The vibrant pink flowers can enhance the visual appeal of garden beds, borders, and container plantings, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant can serve as a habitat and food source for wildlife, including birds that feed on its seeds in the winter.
- Improves soil health: Like many perennials, its roots can help to improve soil structure and health as they grow and spread.
- Medical Properties
- Immune system support: Echinacea is commonly used to help support immune system function.
- Upper respiratory tract infections: It is often used as a traditional remedy for common colds and other respiratory tract infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Echinacea has been observed to have potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Wound healing: Some sources suggest it may promote wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antiviral activity: There is some evidence to suggest that Echinacea may have antiviral properties against certain viruses.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Echinacea can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of Echinacea can be used in floral arrangements to give height and structure to a bouquet.
- Pressed Echinacea flowers can be used in crafting, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decorative phone cases.
- When dried, Echinacea seed heads add an interesting visual element to wreaths and dried floral arrangements.
- Petal confetti is another non-traditional use; dried Echinacea petals can be tossed at weddings for a biodegradable option.
- Birds, particularly finches, enjoy the seeds of Echinacea, so leaving spent flowers in the garden can provide food for wildlife.
- Echinacea leaves can be used in composting to add essential nutrients as they break down, enriching the soil.
- The deep roots of Echinacea can help to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil in gardens and on slopes.
- Echinacea can be planted as a border or barrier plant due to its height and bushy growth habit.
- Photographers can utilize the vibrant Echinacea flowers as a subject for practicing macro and nature photography.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing and Health: Echinacea is widely known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to boost the immune system, so it symbolizes health and healing.
- Strength and Resilience: The plant is hardy and can withstand tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and recover from challenges.
- Beauty and Attractiveness: With its distinctive pink flowers, Echinacea represents beauty and a standout attractiveness.
- Purity: The color pink can be associated with purity and innocence, which echinacea can inherit through its delicate pink hues.
- Water
Coneflowers, like the Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink', need regular watering to establish deep and extensive root systems. Initially, water them deeply a few times a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and generally require watering only once a week, with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, depending on weather conditions. It's best to water them at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In particularly hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy.
- Light
Coneflowers thrive in full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' is no exception and will perform best when planted in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. These plants can tolerate some light afternoon shade but will have fewer flowers and weaker stems in less light.
- Temperature
Coneflowers are hardy and can survive a range of temperatures. The Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' can generally tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and are comfortable in summer highs up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit or more. They prefer temperate regions and thrive in a climate where the temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are adaptable to higher temperatures provided they are watered adequately.
- Pruning
Pruning Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' can help encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In early spring or late fall, cut back the entire plant to about 3 inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and stimulate new growth. Some gardeners leave the spent flower heads over winter for visual interest and to provide seeds for birds.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Coneflower thrives in well-drained soil with high organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand aids drainage. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are typically not repotted often as they are perennial plants. They should only be repotted if the plant has outgrown its current container, or to refresh the soil every few years.
- Humidity & Misting
Coneflower prefers average to low humidity levels and is quite tolerant of dry conditions once established; no special humidity adjustments are necessary.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in a sunny spot with some afternoon shade.
Outdoor
Full sun location, well-draining soil, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
- Life cycle
Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink' (Coneflower) begins its life as a seed that, when conditions are favorable—typically in the spring—germinates in soil enriched with organic matter. The seedling emerges and develops true leaves, entering the vegetative stage, where it focuses on root and foliage growth. This perennial plant then progresses to the budding phase, where flower buds form and prepare to open. Blooming occurs in the summer, with distinctive pink, semi-double flowers attracting various pollinators including bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seed heads that mature in late summer to autumn, providing food for birds and allowing for seed dispersal. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in winter, with the above-ground portions dying back, and regrows from the rootstock the following spring, repeating its life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Echinacea 'Papallo Semi-double Pink', commonly known as Coneflower, is best propagated by dividing mature plants. This method involves digging up an established plant and carefully separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a portion of the root system. The best time to do this is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. Once separated, the divisions can be replanted immediately into a prepared garden bed or pot, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.