Coneflower Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' is a vibrant perennial known for its distinctive and attractive flowers. The plant features a central cone that is typically orange or brown, giving a distinct and bold appearance that may resemble a typical coneflower. This central cone is surrounded by petals that fan outwards, and in the case of 'Summer Cocktail,' these are often a blend of warm colors, such as yellow, orange, and red, creating a gradient effect reminiscent of a refreshing summer beverage. The petals may have a slightly droopy nature, which gives the flower a relaxed and informal look. The foliage of the plant is a lush green, providing a perfect backdrop to the brightly colored flowers. Leaves are often ovate to lance-shaped, with a rough texture, which can stand out in a garden setting. It blooms over a long period, usually from early to late summer, depending upon the climate and growing conditions. Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' is favored for its showy blossoms that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, adding a dynamic element to gardens. The plant exudes an overall strong and captivating presence, capable of providing a bold splash of color in borders, beds, and as part of wildflower gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, the common name for Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' (PBR), is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used in herbal remedies, particularly for immune system support. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort if they are sensitive to the plant or consume it in large quantities.
To pets
Coneflower is also recognized as non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause serious illness or fatalities in pets if ingested. As with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply due to the novelty of the material in the animal's digestive system.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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 'Summer Cocktail' is known to attract butterflies and bees, which are crucial for pollination.
- Low maintenance: This plant is drought-resistant and generally requires minimal care once established.
- Durable: It's hardy in a wide range of climates and can withstand relatively harsh conditions.
- Long blooming period: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' offers a long blooming season, providing color from early summer to autumn.
- Visual interest: With its vibrant flowers, it adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Adaptable: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, from clay to sand, as long as the soil is well-draining.
- Garden versatility: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be used in borders, mixed flower beds, and as a cut flower in bouquets.
- Deer resistant: It is less likely to be eaten by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a concern.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is traditionally used to help support and stimulate the immune system.
- Common cold and respiratory tract infections: It may help to reduce the duration and severity of common cold symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant activities: Echinacea contains antioxidants that can help to protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound healing: It is sometimes used topically for its potential wound healing benefits.
- Antimicrobial effects: Echinacea has been studied for its potential to fight against various bacteria and viruses.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral arrangements: The blossoms of Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be used to create vibrant and long-lasting floral arrangements, adding a splash of color to home decor or special events.
- Dye production: The petals and other parts of Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be utilized to produce natural dyes for fabric, giving textiles a unique and organic hue.
- Photography subject: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' with its striking shades serves as an excellent subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Garden aesthetics: Planting Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can enhance the visual appeal of a garden, attracting butterflies and serving as an aesthetically pleasing focal point.
- Educational tool: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant biology, particularly the pollination process and plant structure.
- Craft supplies: Dried Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' cones and petals can be used in crafting, such as in making potpourri, wreaths, or other decorative items.
- Culinary garnish: Although not a common practice, petals of Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be used as a colorful garnish for culinary dishes after ensuring they're free from pesticides.
- Companion planting: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' can be used in companion planting to benefit other plants in the garden, potentially deterring certain pests and attracting pollinators.
- Soil stabilization: Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail', when planted en masse, can help with soil stabilization in garden areas prone to erosion.
- Art inspiration: The vibrant colors and forms of Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' inspire artists to create paintings, illustrations, and sculptures based on its appearance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is traditionally associated with medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system.
- Strength: The hardiness and durability of echinacea suggest a symbol of inner strength and resilience.
- Resourcefulness: As echinacea can adapt to a variety of environments, it represents versatility and the ability to thrive under different circumstances.
WaterConeflowers should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. During the active growing season, provide about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to roughly 0.6 gallons for a small plant bed. In periods of extreme heat or drought, increase the frequency to twice per week. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to avoid overwatering and root rot.
LightConeflowers thrive in full sunlight, where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They are best situated in a spot that is exposed to the morning sun and is sheltered from the intense afternoon heat, although they can tolerate full sun all day. Avoid planting in full shade as this will inhibit bloom production and can lead to leggy growth.
TemperatureConeflowers are hardy and can withstand temperatures ranging from the high 80s Fahrenheit during the day to the mid-30s at night without issue. The ideal growing temperatures for coneflowers fall between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can survive the winter in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit but may go dormant until warmer weather returns.
PruningPruning coneflowers can help promote a bushier growth habit and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. In late winter or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4-6 inches from the ground to prepare for new growth. Pruning is not strictly necessary, but it can also help maintain the plant's shape and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Summer Cocktail' thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, with a soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand is recommended for optimal growth.
RepottingConeflower 'Summer Cocktail' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years, or as necessary when the plant outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Summer Cocktail' is quite adaptable and does not require high humidity; it thrives in average outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun and well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Coneflower 'Summer Cocktail' begins its life as a seed, typically sown in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Once germinated, the seedling emerges, developing its first true leaves and establishing a small root system. As it matures into a young plant, it will develop a sturdier stem and more complex leaf structures, absorbing sunlight and nutrients to fuel its growth. The flowering stage occurs in the summer, revealing bright, colorful blooms that attract pollinators and can last until the fall. At the end of the growing season, Coneflower 'Summer Cocktail' enters a period of dormancy, particularly in areas with cold winters, during which above-ground growth dies back and the plant conserves energy within its roots. The following spring, the Echinacea will resume growth, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Fall
The most popular method of propagation for the Echinacea 'Summer Cocktail' is by division. The appropriate time to divide Echinacea plants is in the spring or early fall when the weather is cool and the plant is not blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the mature plant, making sure to keep a substantial amount of roots intact. After lifting the plant from the ground, gently tease the roots apart and separate the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them about 1 to 3 feet apart to allow room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Mulching can also be beneficial to retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
