White Coneflower Echinacea Sombrero Blanco = 'Balsomblanc' (Sombrero Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Echinacea Sombrero Blanco, commonly known as Coneflower, is a herbaceous perennial boasting a bold yet elegant appearance that fits well in a variety of garden settings. This plant showcases a distinctive flower structure with a central cone that is surrounded by a ring of drought-resistant petals. The flowers of Sombrero Blanco are a pristine white and give the plant a crisp and clean look, with the central cone typically taking on a golden yellow to pale green shade. As a member of the Sombrero Series, this coneflower variety displays a strong and sturdy stem that holds the flower heads aloft, ensuring they are noticeable from a distance. The blooms are well-known for their longevity, often lasting several weeks, which makes them an excellent choice for adding sustained bursts of color to any garden space. The foliage of the Echinacea Sombrero Blanco is deep green and lanceolate, forming a complementary backdrop that highlights the brightness of the flowers. The plant has a clumping habit, with the foliage forming a dense and attractive base from which the flower stems emerge. Each individual flower can create a striking visual impact, and when planted en masse, they produce a sea of white that can act as a standout feature within a garden. The Coneflower Sombrero Blanco is not only aesthetic but also attracts a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which adds to the dynamic nature of its garden presence.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae
- Synonyms
  White Coneflower, Sombrero Blanco Coneflower
- Common names
  Echinacea Sombrero Blanco = 'Balsomblanc' (Sombrero Series).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not known to be toxic to humans. This plant is often used in herbal remedies for its immune-boosting properties. However, as with any plant or herb, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or rashes, especially if they have allergies to other plants in the daisy family. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before using echinacea for medicinal purposes.
- To pets
  Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is generally considered to be safe for pets, and is sometimes used in pet supplements for immune support. However, as with any plant, individual animals might have different sensitivities, and when consumed in large quantities, some pets might experience mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of echinacea and is exhibiting adverse symptoms, contacting a veterinarian would be advisable.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Spread
  1.5 feet (0.46 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts pollinators: Echinacea is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, Echinacea Sombrero Blanco is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or regions with low rainfall.
- Low maintenance: This plant is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep, which is ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Long blooming season: The Echinacea Sombrero Blanco offers flowers from early to late summer, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden.
- Resistant to deer: Generally, Echinacea is not a preferred plant for deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Hardy perennial: This plant is capable of withstanding cold winters, coming back year after year in USDA hardiness zones it is suitable for.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: With its striking white flowers and robust form, Echinacea Sombrero Blanco adds visual appeal to any garden setting.
- Compact growth habit: Its size and form make it suitable for small gardens, borders, or as a part of structured garden designs.
Medical Properties
- Immune System Support: Echinacea is commonly used to help bolster the immune system, possibly reducing the severity or duration of colds and other minor infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: It has been suggested that Echinacea contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with various conditions.
- Antioxidant Properties: Echinacea may contain antioxidants that help in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antimicrobial Activity: Some research indicates that Echinacea can have antimicrobial properties, potentially useful against certain bacteria and viruses.
- Wound Healing: Topically, Echinacea preparations are sometimes used for wounds and skin problems, due to potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Please note that while these uses are common, the effectiveness of Echinacea for these purposes is still a subject of research, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical treatment.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- As an art medium: The strong stems and distinctive flowers of Echinacea can be used in floral arrangements or pressed flower art to create natural, botanical designs.
- Decorative garden mulch: Dried Echinacea plant material can be used to create a visually appealing and natural mulch for garden beds.
- Crafting natural dyes: The petals of Sombrero Blanco can be used in dyeing fabrics to produce subtle hues, contributing to eco-friendly craft practices.
- Photography subject: With its striking white flowers, Echinacea plants are a favorite among photographers for nature and macro photography.
- Edible floral garnishing: Although typically not for consumption, the blossoms can potentially be used as a decorative, edible garnish at high-end restaurants after proper investigation for safety and palatability.
- Handmade paper inclusions: The petals and leaves of Echinacea can be incorporated into handmade paper, adding texture and visual interest to the finished product.
- Insect habitat: Echinacea plants serve as a locale for beneficial garden insects, which can be encouraged for natural pest control without directly using the plant.
- Seed sharing: The seeds of Echinacea are often shared among gardeners for biodiversity, fostering a community of growers and enthusiasts.
- Educational tool: These plants can be used in schools or educational programs to teach botany and plant life cycles in a hands-on environment.
- Culinary experimentation: While not a traditional use, the flowers may sometimes inspire experimental chefs to explore new flavors and presentations, provided they are non-toxic and edible.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Echinacea plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Echinacea plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to boost the immune system and fend off colds.
- Strength: As a sturdy and resilient plant, Coneflower symbolizes strength and the ability to withstand difficult conditions.
- Purity: The white petals of the 'Balsomblanc' variety signify purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
- Integrity: Coneflowers grow upright and have a proud stature, which is often associated with honesty and a strong moral compass.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Coneflower (Echinacea Sombrero Blanco) thrives when the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it typically requires watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. It's essential to water deeply, so use about 1 gallon per plant to ensure the moisture penetrates the root zone. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy, and during winter, only water if the soil is completely dry and there's no natural precipitation.
Light
Coneflower prefers full sun and should be placed in an area where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, too little light may result in a weaker plant with fewer blooms. The best spot for the coneflower is an open space away from shadows cast by buildings or trees, where it's exposed to the sun's rays for most of the day.
Temperature
Coneflower is adaptable to a range of temperatures and can endure the heat of summer as well as cold winter conditions. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F, though the ideal growing range is between 65°F and 85°F. Ensuring that the plant is well-mulched can help to regulate soil temperature and protect the roots in both extremes.
Pruning
Pruning coneflowers helps to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. It's best to deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the entire plant to about 3 inches from the ground in late fall or early winter after flowering has ceased and the plant has gone dormant. This will help maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding for the following season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Coneflower 'Sombrero Blanco' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Best soil mix includes garden soil, compost, and perlite to promote drainage.
Repotting
Coneflower 'Sombrero Blanco' typically does not need frequent repotting; repot every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its pot.
Humidity & Misting
Coneflower 'Sombrero Blanco' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, and space plants 18 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Echinacea 'Sombrero Blanco', commonly known as White Coneflower, begins its life as a seed that germinates in late winter to early spring, given appropriate stratification to break dormancy. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it grows a sturdy stem and produces more leaves, eventually leading to the development of distinctive white flowers with a central cone typically in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that can be dispersed by wind, birds, or other means. The plant then enters a period of senescence in the fall as temperatures drop, with aerial parts dying back, while the root system remains alive over the winter. The following spring, the Echinacea 'Sombrero Blanco' can regrow from its perennial rootstock, repeating its life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to early summer
- The Echinacea Sombrero Blanco, commonly known as White Coneflower, is most popularly propagated through division. This is ideally done in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep a good amount of roots attached to each clump. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them in their new location. Division is favored for this perineal because it maintains the true characteristics of the parent plant and results in a quicker establishment compared to seed-based methods.