Sundown Coneflower Echinacea 'Sundown' (PBR) (Big Sky Series)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Sundown' is a striking cultivar belonging to the Big Sky Series, known for its distinctive and vibrant blossoms. This plant's most captivating feature is the daisy-like flowers that exhibit a warm, rich hue that blends orange and rose, giving them a glowing, sunset-like appearance. The flowers boast a prominent, cone-shaped center which is typically bronze or dark brown, surrounded by a spray of long, slender petals that drape elegantly around it. These petals are slightly reflexed, adding to the visual allure of the bloom. The foliage of Echinacea 'Sundown' is deep green and has a somewhat rough texture, forming a lovely backdrop that further accentuates the color of the flowers. The leaves are broadly lanceolate to ovate with a serrated margin, giving them a slightly jagged edge. The plant gives an overall impression of vibrancy and hardiness, projecting a healthy lushness in its growth. The stems are sturdy, helping to support the substantial blooms which can appear profusely across the plant. These flowers are not only visually appealing but are also known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding dynamic life to its presence in the garden. Echinacea 'Sundown' emits a light, pleasant fragrance that is not overwhelming but rather subtly adds to its delightful characteristics. As a perennial, it brings a recurring joy with its seasonal blooms and enduring foliage, lending both color and character to any setting in which it is placed. It is a favourite among gardeners who wish to bring a touch of nature's sunset to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Sundown Coneflower, Orange Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea 'Sundown' (PBR) (Big Sky Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, specifically Echinacea 'Sundown' from the Big Sky Series, is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. In fact, some parts of coneflowers are commonly used for their purported medicinal properties. However, some individuals might experience allergic reactions or side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort if they are sensitive to the plant or ingest it in large quantities.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It's generally considered safe if pets, such as dogs and cats, ingest it. As with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but coneflower is typically not associated with serious poisoning in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea Sundown is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or areas with low rainfall.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period, from midsummer to early fall, providing extended color in the landscape.
- Easy Care: This plant is low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in an appropriate setting.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, naturalized areas, and prairie-style plantings.
- Seasonal Interest: The coneflowers and seed heads provide visual interest even after the blooming period into the fall and winter months.
- Resistant to Deer: Echinacea Sundown is resistant to deer browsing, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, holding their color and shape well.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is widely recognized for its potential ability to support the immune system.
- Common cold and upper respiratory infections: It is often taken at the onset of cold symptoms or to reduce the duration of the common cold.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Echinacea contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant contains antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Antimicrobial effects: Some research suggests Echinacea may have antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens.
- Wound healing: The herb is sometimes applied to the skin for its purported benefits in wound healing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'Sundown' is sometimes used in dye production, with various plant parts creating different shades on fabrics.
- Artists may use the vibrant petals of Echinacea 'Sundown' for potpourri or as a natural source for color in paintings.
- This plant can be utilized in photography and art classes for study due to its unique structure and color, providing a rich subject for still-life compositions.
- Echinacea 'Sundown' can be incorporated into eco-friendly crafts, such as making paper or as an inclusion in homemade candles for decoration and subtle scent.
- Gardeners may use dried Echinacea 'Sundown' stems as natural supports for other plants in the garden.
- The seed heads of Echinacea 'Sundown' can be left in the garden to provide winter interest as well as food for birds and small wildlife.
- The striking appearance of Echinacea 'Sundown' makes it ideal for use in floral designs, especially in rustic or autumn-themed arrangements.
- Echinacea 'Sundown' can be part of sensory gardens, as its texture and color are appealing for touch and sight sensory stimulation.
- Culinary enthusiasts may use the petals of Echinacea 'Sundown' to infuse oils or vinegars, adding both color and a subtle, unique flavor to dishes.
- As a teaching tool in conservation, Echinacea 'Sundown' can illustrate the importance of plant diversity and pollinator support within an ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiConeflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityConeflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly its immune-boosting effects. It symbolizes the desire for wellness and is often used to convey wishes for good health.
- Strength and Resilience: The coneflower is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh conditions. Its symbolism extends to human qualities, embodying strength, resilience, and the ability to endure challenges.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its vibrant colors and large, striking flowers, the coneflower represents beauty and a magnetic allure. It's often associated with admiration and the charm of nature.
- Resourcefulness: The coneflower is also seen as a symbol of resourcefulness and versatility because of its various uses in herbal remedies and the ability to thrive in different environments.
WaterThe coneflower should be watered deeply and infrequently, promoting deep root growth. Generally, watering once a week with about one inch of water is sufficient, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. To test if additional water is needed, check the soil at a depth of about 3 inches; if it's dry, it's time to water. During hot, dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and adjust your watering schedule during periods of rain to avoid over-saturating the soil.
LightConeflowers thrive in full sunlight, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some light shade, but their best performance in terms of flower production and health is in a location where they can soak up plenty of sunshine. Avoid heavily shaded areas to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
TemperatureConeflowers are quite adaptable but prefer temperate climates. They can survive in temperatures ranging from the low-30s Fahrenheit to the mid-90s, but their ideal temperature range is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold-hardy and can withstand frost and temperatures below freezing for a short period but thrive best when not subjected to prolonged extreme temperatures.
PruningPruning coneflowers can help to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms. At the end of the season, leave some spent flowers on the plant if you want them to self-seed or provide food for birds. Cut back the plants to about 3 inches above the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflowers thrive in well-draining soil enriched with compost; a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is optimal for Echinacea 'Sundown'. A blend of two-thirds garden soil and one-third organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, provides a rich foundation that supports healthy growth and abundant flowering.
RepottingConeflowers, including Echinacea 'Sundown', typically do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. Check the plant every 3-4 years and repot if the roots have outgrown the current space.
Humidity & MistingConeflowers, like Echinacea 'Sundown', are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and thrive best in outdoor conditions. Average ambient humidity is sufficient, as they are drought-resistant once established.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, and don't overwater Coneflowers.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space out plants for best growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Echinacea 'Sundown', also known as coneflower, begins with seed germination, which occurs in late winter or early spring, when the soil has warmed to the ideal temperature. Seedlings emerge and establish a basal rosette of leaves in the first growing season, with a deep taproot starting to develop. In the second year, the plant begins its vegetative growth stage, forming a strong stem and a more extensive root system; foliage grows more abundant. During the flowering stage, usually from midsummer to early fall, Echinacea 'Sundown' produces large, daisy-like flowers with a distinctive central cone, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers fade, and seeds are formed in the cone; these seeds are dispersed by wind, birds, or other mechanical means towards the end of fall or start of winter. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter, surviving cold conditions with its deep taproot, and the life cycle resumes with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echinacea 'Sundown', commonly known as Coneflower from the Big Sky Series, is often propagated by dividing its clumps. The best time to carry out this process is in either spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Echinacea 'Sundown' and gently separate the crowns by either teasing them apart with your hands or, if necessary, using a knife. Each section should have a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing and water them thoroughly to help establish the new plants. This method allows gardeners to quickly multiply their Coneflowers while ensuring the new plants are true to the parent in color and form.
