Coneflower Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' exhibits a vibrant display of warm, tangerine-orange flowers. The petals are broad, slightly reflexed, and emanate from a prominent, cone-shaped center that is typically a coppery brown hue. This central cone is textured, adding to the rich visual interest of the flower. The petals maintain their color intensity as they age, creating a long-lasting display in the garden. The plant has a robust and bushy form, with sturdy stems that support the large blooms well above the foliage. Its leaves are dark green, lanceolate, and toothed, providing a lush backdrop that contrasts with the bright orange of the flowers. With a propensity for attracting pollinators, it's not uncommon to see butterflies and bees visiting the blooms. Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' brings a splash of warm color to any setting, fitting in flawlessly with a variety of garden styles and color schemes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Tangerine Dream Coneflower, Tangerine Dream Echinacea.
Common names
Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant is often used in herbal remedies for its potential immune-boosting properties. However, some people might experience allergic reactions if they are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. If ingested, parts of the plant could potentially cause stomach upset or dizziness in individuals with sensitivities, but it is not commonly associated with serious poisoning symptoms. Always exercise caution and consult a medical professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
To pets
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not known to cause serious illness or poisoning if pets consume this plant. However, as with humans, some pets might have an allergic reaction, or experience mild stomach upset if they ingest parts of the plant. If you suspect your pet is experiencing adverse effects after consuming coneflower, it is advisable 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 'Tangerine Dream' is known to attract butterflies and bees, which can help pollinate the garden.
- Drought resistant: Once established, this Echinacea variety is quite tolerant to drought, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Long blooming period: It offers an extended flowering season from midsummer to early fall, providing long-lasting garden color.
- Easy to care for: This plant requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Deer resistant: Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' is typically resistant to deer, so it's less likely to be damaged by wildlife.
- Aesthetic appeal: Its vibrant orange flowers can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape design.
- Hardy perennial: As a hardy perennial, it comes back year after year, saving the cost and effort of replanting annually.
- Improves biodiversity: By attracting pollinators, it contributes to the biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea is commonly used to support the immune system.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: It has been used to help reduce symptoms of the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Echinacea may have anti-inflammatory effects which can help in reducing inflammation.
- Wound Healing: The plant is sometimes applied topically to help heal wounds and skin problems.
- Antioxidant Activity: Echinacea contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' can be integrated into fresh or dried floral arrangements due to its vibrant orange flowers, adding a unique color and texture to bouquets.
- Garden Borders: The striking appearance of the Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' with its bold hues makes it an excellent choice for creating eye-catching garden borders.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can serve as an attractant for butterflies and bees, providing a nectar source for pollinators in sustainable gardening practices.
- Educational Tool: Educational institutions can use Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' in botanical studies to teach about plant breeding and cultivar development.
- Photography: Its distinctive flowers provide a captivating subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and garden photography.
- Fabric Dye: The petals of Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of orange shades.
- Crafts: Dried flowers and seed heads can be incorporated into crafts, such as wreaths or pressed flower art, for home décor.
- Insect Repellent: Planting Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' may help to repel certain insects, thus acting as a companion plant in the garden.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not for consumption, the petals could be used as an ornamental garnish for dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Soil Rehabilitation: As a deep-rooted plant, Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' could potentially be used in the reclamation of soils by helping to improve soil structure over time.
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 and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is renowned for its medicinal properties. It symbolizes the power of healing due to its use in herbal medicine to boost the immune system and fend off infections.
- Strength and Fortitude: The coneflower is a sturdy plant that can withstand tough conditions. This resilience is reflected in its symbolism of strength and the ability to endure challenges.
- Resourcefulness: Echinacea’s various uses, from ornamental to medicinal purposes, represent versatility and resourcefulness.
- Connection with Nature: The vibrant 'Tangerine Dream' variety, with its intense orange hues, symbolizes a deep connection with the natural world and the wild beauty of native North American prairies where echinacea originates.
- Prosperity and Abundance: The prolific blooming of the coneflower, often throughout summer, can symbolize prosperity and an abundance of resources or opportunities.
WaterConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' should be watered regularly but it's important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering. In general, aim for about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During the growing season, increase to two to three times per week, especially in hot, dry conditions. Use deep watering methods to encourage root growth, providing about a gallon of water for each plant per week. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' thrives in full sunlight and should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. If grown indoors, place near a south-facing window to ensure ample light. Occasionally, partial shade is tolerated but may result in a sparser bloom.
TemperatureConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may sustain damage or die back in colder conditions. During the hot, summer months, they can survive in temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, though regular watering is necessary to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Coneflower 'Tangerine Dream' helps to encourage more blooms, maintain plant shape, and remove spent or dead flowers. Deadhead regularly during the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. Cut back the plants by one-third in early summer to encourage bushier growth. Pruning should also include removing any dead or damaged stems in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.5 to 7.0. An optimal soil mix for this plant could contain garden soil, compost, and some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will support robust growth and flowering.
RepottingConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' is not commonly grown in pots long-term but if potted, repot once every 2-3 years during spring. This plant thrives best planted in the ground where repotting is not required.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Tangerine Dream' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and is adaptable to the average outdoor humidity in its growing regions. It does not have specific humidity requirements and thrives in natural outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, mulch winter.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Tangerine Dream', commonly known as coneflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, will germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, usually in spring. Once sprouted, the seedling develops true leaves and progressively matures into a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of a sturdy stem and numerous green leaves. In the subsequent flowering stage, typically occurring from early to late summer, the plant produces vibrant orange flowers with a distinctive cone-shaped center that attracts pollinators. After pollination, the flowers turn into seed heads, which dry and release seeds for dispersal, potentially creating new plants. During the winter or adverse conditions, the coneflower enters a dormancy phase, with the above-ground parts dying back and the plant surviving underground through its hardy perennial roots. In the following growing season, Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream' regenerates from the rootstock, continuing its cycle with new vegetative growth and flower production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Echinacea 'Tangerine Dream', commonly known as coneflower, is often propagated through division. The best time for division is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in peak bloom. To propagate by division, dig up an established clump of coneflower with a spade, ensuring a generous amount of roots with each portion. The clump should then be carefully separated into smaller sections, each with two or three growth shoots, and replanted at the same soil depth from which they were taken. The divisions should be spaced about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to encourage root development. This propagation method maintains the characteristics of 'Tangerine Dream' and will produce mature plants more quickly than seed propagation.
