Coneflower Echinacea 'Summer Cloud'
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Summer Cloud' is an eye-catching perennial that forms a captivating presence in any garden with its striking flowers and foliage. The plant is known for its prominent, daisy-like flowers, each featuring a bold central cone that is typically orange or brown in color, surrounded by petals that can range from pink to purple shades. These petals are often arranged in a slightly drooping fashion, which creates an overall effect of grace and elegance. The leaves of 'Summer Cloud' are typically dark green, with a rough, textured surface that provides a beautiful contrast to the softness of the petals. These leaves grow in an ovate shape, with a pointed tip and a slightly serrated edge, adding additional visual interest to the plant's appearance. In full bloom, Echinacea 'Summer Cloud' presents a stunning and colorful display that's highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The blooms themselves exude a subtle, sweet fragrance which can bring an additional sensory delight to any outdoor space. The plant's sturdy stems rise up, holding the flowers prominently, allowing them to sway gently in the breeze, further adding to the dynamic and lively character of this garden variety.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coneflower, Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea 'Summer Cloud'.
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, it is often used in herbal remedies for its potential immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or stomach upset if they are sensitive to plants in the daisy family, or if parts of the plant are consumed in large quantities. Such allergies could manifest as rashes, increased asthma symptoms, or anaphylaxis in very rare cases. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before using echinacea as a supplement, especially for those with autoimmune disorders or those taking immunosuppressive medication.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets like dogs and cats. It is generally considered safe, with no widespread reports of poisoning from ingestion of this plant. Despite its safety, some pets might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant, as with any non-food plant material. Signs of such an upset might include vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption, to rule out any risk of an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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 'Summer Cloud' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects which are vital for the pollination of many plants and crops.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners with limited time.
- Long blooming period: The flowers bloom for an extended period from early to late summer, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Aesthetic appeal: The vibrant purple and pink flowers with a prominent central cone add visual interest to any garden space.
- Wildlife habitat: Provides food and habitat for various species of wildlife, including birds that feed on the seeds.
- Easy to grow: It is generally easy to cultivate and can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Non-invasive: Echinacea 'Summer Cloud' is not known to be invasive, making it a responsible choice for gardeners concerned about plant invasiveness.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is widely recognized for its potential to enhance the immune system.
- Antioxidant activity: Contains compounds that may exhibit antioxidant effects, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest Echinacea has anti-inflammatory capabilities.
- Common cold and upper respiratory infections: Often used to reduce the duration and severity of these conditions, though evidence is mixed.
- Wound healing: Topical use of Echinacea might help in improving wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Antimicrobial effects: May help fight various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, contributing to its use in minor infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea, including varieties like 'Summer Cloud', can be used in a dye-making process to create natural dyes for fabrics, giving a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Insectary planting: Echinacea plants attract predatory insects that help control pest populations in gardens.
- As a classroom tool, Echinacea can be used to educate students about plant biology, pollination, and the lifecycle of a flowering plant.
- Creative arts can benefit from the use of Echinacea by pressing the flowers to create botanical prints or including them in mixed media art projects.
- Echinacea are ideal for creating a themed garden, such as a 'prairie garden' or 'butterfly garden', due to their natural habitat and attractiveness to pollinators respectively.
- Landscaping use: With its striking aesthetic, Echinacea serves as a structural element in garden designs, offering both color and form diversity.
- Echinacea leaves can be used as a mild flavoring agent for culinary purposes in small quantities, similar to how other herbal leaves are used.
- Companion planting with Echinacea can benefit nearby plants by attracting beneficial insects and possibly improving growth and flavor.
- Photography and botanical studies often use Echinacea as a vivid subject due to its robust structure and vibrant flowers.
- Cultural symbolism: Echinacea is sometimes used in floral arrangements to symbolize strength and healing, despite not referencing its medicinal properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea, commonly known as the 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, especially its potential to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
- Strength and Resilience: The plant's hardiness and ability to thrive in tough environmental conditions symbolize strength and the ability to endure challenging situations.
- Beauty and Attraction: Coneflower's vibrant and attractive flowers are symbolic of natural beauty and can represent an allure or magnetism in various cultural contexts.
- Purity and Cleansing: The coneflower is sometimes associated with purity and cleansing, reflecting its use in traditional medicine to clear infections and promote overall health.
WaterConeflower, which is also known as Echinacea 'Summer Cloud', should generally be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Aim to water the plant with around 1 inch of water each week. It is important to avoid overwatering, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels. However, once established, Echinacea are quite drought-tolerant and can handle less frequent watering. It's best to water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightConeflower thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot for Coneflower would be in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. These plants can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions.
TemperatureConeflower is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, typically from about -30°F to 90°F. The ideal temperature for growth and flowering is between 65°F and 75°F. It's important to protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or other insulation during winter months in cooler climates.
PruningPrune Coneflower to encourage bushiness and to remove spent flowers, which can promote additional blooming. Deadhead the flowers throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4 inches to help stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Summer Cloud' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. A balanced mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand provides good aeration and nutrients. The ideal pH range for coneflowers is between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingConeflower 'Summer Cloud' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is a perennial that's planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Summer Cloud' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in the average outdoor humidity found in its growing zones. It does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Echinacea 'Summer Cloud', commonly known as coneflower, begins with seed germination, which occurs when conditions of warmth and moisture are adequate, typically in the spring. The seedlings develop true leaves and establish a root system, entering a juvenile vegetative stage where they focus on growth. As the plants mature, they enter the flowering stage during the summer months, producing distinct purple flowers with prominent central cones that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits that contain seeds, completing the plant's reproductive cycle. In the fall, the coneflower becomes dormant, with the aerial parts dying back as the plant enters a period of rest over the winter. The following spring, the plant re-emerges from its rootstock or from the newly germinated seeds to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Echinacea 'Summer Cloud', commonly known as the coneflower, is best propagated through division. This method of propagation is typically done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established coneflower clump and use a sharp spade or knife to separate the crown and root system into several sections, ensuring that each division has a good portion of roots and a few shoots. Replant these divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18-24 inches (approximately 45-60 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Division is a quick and easy way to create new plants that are identical to the parent plant, and it also helps rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense or have a dead center.
