Coneflower Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange = 'Balsomador' (PBR) (Sombrero Series)
![coneflower [Sombrero Adobe Orange]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b63b638a75.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange, from the Sombrero Series, features striking flowers whose color can be likened to the warm hues of adobe orange. Its petals radiate outward from a pronounced conical center, which typically takes on a darker shade, creating a lovely contrast with the vivid orange of the petals. This plant has a robust and bushy growth habit, and the stems are sturdy, holding the blooms aloft confidently. The leaves are dark green, lanceolate, and have a rough texture that adds to its overall hardy countenance. The vivid daisy-like flowers are not only eye-catching but are also attractive to various pollinators, including butterflies and bees. It’s a plant that adds a dash of warm, vibrant color to gardens or landscapes, capturing the essence of summer with its bright blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Adobe Orange Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange = 'Balsomador' (PBR) (Sombrero Series).
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower is generally considered safe for human consumption. There have been no widespread reports of toxicity to humans from consuming Echinacea. However, it's always possible for individuals to have allergic reactions or experience gastrointestinal discomfort from ingesting plants. People with sensitivities, especially those with allergies to other members of the daisy family, should exercise caution. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming any plant material for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe and is sometimes used in gardens that pets have access to without significant concern for pet health. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet exhibits signs of illness after consuming Echinacea, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1.5 feet [45 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, essential for pollination and the health of your garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange exhibits strong drought tolerance, making it ideal for low-water gardens.
- Easy Care: This variety is low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once planted, which is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long flowering season, typically from early summer to autumn, providing a vibrant display for an extended period.
- Cold Hardy: Echinacea plants are cold-hardy, which allows them to withstand colder temperatures and thrive in a wide range of climates.
- Attractive Foliage: The plant's foliage adds visual interest to the garden even when it is not in bloom, due to its rich green color.
- Garden Structure: The upright habit and sturdy stems of Echinacea contribute to the structural design of a garden, providing height and form.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is widely used to promote the immune system and to help prevent or alleviate common cold symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial in treating conditions with an inflammatory component.
- Antimicrobial activity: Echinacea has been credited with fighting various types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Wound healing: The plant is sometimes used topically for its potential benefits in wound care and skin regeneration.
- Analgesic effect: There is some evidence to suggest that Echinacea may have mild pain-relieving properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Echinacea's vibrant petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic coloring.
- Photography Subject: The striking Adobe Orange color of Echinacea flowers makes them an ideal subject for photographers interested in capturing the beauty of nature.
- Butterfly Gardening: Echinacea attracts butterflies, making it a suitable plant for butterfly gardens and enthusiasts looking to promote local biodiversity.
- Educational Tool: Schools and ecological programs can use Echinacea plants to teach students about pollination and the role of native plants in local ecosystems.
- Floral Arrangements: Fresh or dried, Echinacea flowers can be used in floral arrangements to add a pop of color and unique texture.
- Garden Borders: Echinacea is often planted at the edges of gardens for its aesthetic appeal and relatively easy maintenance.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The Adobe Orange color of Echinacea blooms can be incorporated into autumnal decorations such as harvest wreaths and centerpieces.
- Nature-Inspired Art Projects: Artists and crafters can use Echinacea as inspiration for paintings, textiles, and other nature-themed art projects.
- Landscape Photography: Echinacea provides a vibrant foreground or background feature in landscape photography, particularly in gardens or natural settings.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried Echinacea petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiConeflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityConeflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea is widely known for its medicinal properties, often used to boost the immune system and fight off colds, reflecting the symbolism of healing and wellness.
- Strength: The robust nature of Echinacea, which allows it to stand tall and thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizes strength and endurance.
- Purity: The bright, typically purple flowers (though the 'Balsomador' variety has orange blooms) are often associated with purity and cleanliness due to their use in medicinal purposes.
- Beauty: Besides its medicinal qualities, Echinacea is also appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, signifying beauty and appreciation of nature.
WaterConeflowers, including the Echinacea 'Adobe Orange', prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During active growth in the spring and summer, water them approximately once a week with about 1 inch of water. Make sure to soak the soil thoroughly so that the water penetrates several inches into the ground. During the fall and less actively growing winter months, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, or even less if natural rainfall is sufficient. Adjust the watering frequency based on weather conditions, as prolonged heat and drought will necessitate more frequent watering, perhaps twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant.
LightConeflowers, such as the Echinacea 'Adobe Orange', thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for these plants is in an area that gets unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. However, they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in extremely hot climates. Avoid deeply shaded areas which can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
TemperatureConeflowers, like the Echinacea 'Adobe Orange', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically from about -30°F to 90°F. Their ideal growing temperature is between 65°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering. They can survive winter cold down to -30°F as long as they are well-established and the ground is not too wet.
PruningConeflowers, including the Echinacea 'Adobe Orange', should be pruned to remove spent flowers, a practice called deadheading, to encourage additional blooming throughout the season. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to around 3 inches from the ground to promote vigorous new growth. This annual pruning also helps to maintain a neat appearance and prevents excessive self-seeding, if desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coneflower (Echinacea) is a well-draining soil with a fair amount of organic matter. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite works well to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingConeflowers typically do not require frequent repotting as they are mostly grown outdoors. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring.
Humidity & MistingConeflowers are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They thrive in the average outdoor humidity found in their hardiness zones, making them adaptable to various environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, proper drainage, and room for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-drained soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea, commonly known as coneflower, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late winter to early spring, with the new seedlings requiring light to grow effectively. The plant enters a vegetative stage, during which leaves and stems develop rapidly in preparation for the blooming period in the summer, when striking orange flowers attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that are disseminated by wind, animals, or human collection before the plant enters a period of senescence in the fall. Echinacea is a perennial, so it dies back to the ground at the onset of winter but the roots survive and become dormant. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant regrows from its rootstock, completing its life cycle. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant often increasing in size and the number of blooms each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Echinacea Sombrero Adobe Orange, commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated through division, which is a popular and straightforward method. The best time to propagate coneflowers by division is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground, ensuring a generous amount of roots are attached. Using a sharp, clean garden spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, making sure each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions promptly at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) to allow sufficient room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
