White Coneflower Echinacea 'White Meditation' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea 'White Meditation' is a striking perennial known for its beautiful flowers and resilience in the garden. Commonly referred to as coneflower, this cultivar boasts large, daisy-like flowers with a distinctive central cone that's surrounded by pure white petals. The petals are arranged around the cone in a relaxed, downward fashion, giving a sense of gentle elegance. The prominent cone at the center of each flower offers a textural contrast with its spiky appearance and can range in color from green to a deep bronzish shade as it matures. This central cone is a composite of many tiny florets that are appealing to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, playing an important role in the ecosystem of your garden. The plant's foliage is typically dark green, with lance-shaped leaves that have a slightly rough texture. The leaves grow on sturdy stems that protrude from a group of branches near the base, creating a bushy appearance. Echinacea 'White Meditation' adds an element of serene beauty to any landscape. Its clean white petals can act as a foil for more vibrant flowers in a garden or stand on their own as a calming, monochromatic statement. Its natural hardiness also makes it a favorite among gardeners looking for a plant that will thrive with minimal care once established.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Meditation Coneflower, White Meditation Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea 'White Meditation' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Echinacea 'White Meditation' is coneflower. Coneflowers are generally considered non-toxic to humans and are actually widely used in herbal remedies, primarily for boosting the immune system. However, people with plant allergies, particularly to other members of the Asteraceae family, may experience allergic reactions. Overconsumption or misuse can potentially lead to gastrointestinal issues or other adverse effects, but typical casual contact or ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause poisoning or serious consequences.
To pets
The common name of Echinacea 'White Meditation' is coneflower. Coneflowers are generally recognized as safe for pets and are not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. Ingestion of plant parts is unlikely to lead to poisoning. However, as with humans, individual pets might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of the plant due to the novelty of the plant material in their diet, rather than any inherent toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 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 'White Meditation' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety of coneflower is relatively drought-resistant, requiring less water than many other plants.
- Long Blooming Period: Offering a long season of blooms, typically from early summer to fall, it provides extended interest and color in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once it is established, making it a good choice for gardeners looking for low-effort plants.
- Deer Resistance: Echinacea 'White Meditation' is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea is known for its potential to boost the immune system's ability to fight infections.
- Respiratory Health: It may help alleviate symptoms of common respiratory ailments such as colds and flu.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Echinacea contains compounds that may reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting conditions characterized by inflammation.
- Wound Healing: Traditionally, Echinacea has been applied topically to aid in wound healing and skin regeneration.
- Antioxidant Properties: Echinacea has antioxidant effects that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'White Meditation' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from greens to yellows depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of Echinacea can be used in flower arrangements to add height and structure, often lasting well even when dried.
- The petals of the Echinacea 'White Meditation' can be pressed and used in crafts like bookmark making or in resin jewelry for a natural floral touch.
- Echinacea leaves can be used as a mulch or compost ingredient after they die back, contributing nutrients back into the garden soil.
- The coneflower can be used in sensory gardens; its distinct texture and form can provide tactile and visual stimulation.
- Gardeners can use Echinacea 'White Meditation' as a teaching tool for pollination and plant lifecycle studies due to its popularity with bees and butterflies.
- Echinacea seed heads provide winter interest in the garden and can be used in winter garden designs and frosty landscape photography.
- Bird lovers sometimes leave dried Echinacea plants in the garden to provide seeds for finches and other birds during the fall and winter months.
- The plant can be part of a natural insect control strategy as it attracts predatory insects that feed on common garden pests.
- Echinacea 'White Meditation' can be used in moon gardens where its white flowers will reflect moonlight and create a glowing effect at nighttime.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea is widely known for its medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections. 'White Meditation' carries this symbolism of wellness and the body's resilience.
- Purity and Innocence: The white color of the 'White Meditation' variety adds a layer of symbolism associated with purity, peace, and innocence, reflecting the unblemished and tranquil nature of its blooms.
- Strength and Durability: Echinacea plants are hardy and can withstand challenging conditions, symbolizing enduring strength and the ability to thrive in adversity.
- Connection with Nature: As a native plant often used in herbal remedies, Echinacea 'White Meditation' embodies a deep connection with nature and the value of natural healing practices.
WaterConeflowers, such as 'White Meditation', generally require watering once a week, with about 1 inch of water, which equates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. However, it's important to note that the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, as coneflowers are drought-tolerant and overwatering can cause rot. During hot and dry periods, water them twice a week, but make sure to adjust the frequency if rainfall occurs. It is best to water these plants at ground level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightConeflowers thrive in areas that receive full sun, meaning they should get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. 'White Meditation' performs best in an open area that provides ample sunlight throughout the day, though it will tolerate light shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as light is crucial for flower production and overall plant vitality.
TemperatureConeflowers are quite hardy and 'White Meditation' coneflowers can survive in temperatures ranging from -30°F to 100°F, but they thrive in a temperature range between 65°F and 85°F. They can withstand cold winters and return in spring, but they perform best when the temperature is moderate to warm.
PruningPruning 'White Meditation' coneflowers is beneficial for promoting bushier growth and a more prolific bloom. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages more blooms and prevents self-seeding if not desired. Pruning should be done after flowering, typically late summer or fall, and can include cutting back the plant to its basal leaves. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps to clear away any dead material and make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Coneflower 'White Meditation' is well-draining and nutrient-rich, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix could be 1/3 compost, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 peat or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingConeflower 'White Meditation' is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. If grown in containers, it may be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'White Meditation' is adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels, thriving in average outdoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Coneflower in bright light and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'White Meditation', commonly known as White Coneflower, begins its life as a seed, requiring stratification or a period of cold to break dormancy before germination in early spring. Upon sprouting, the seedling establishes a rosette of leaves at ground level, and as it matures it develops a sturdy stem and a deep taproot system. The vegetative stage is followed by the development of distinctive white flowers with a coneflower shape, usually in mid to late summer, which is the reproductive stage where pollination occurs, often aided by bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop in the central cone, and as the plant senesces in late fall, these seeds are dispersed, naturally or through human intervention. Echinacea 'White Meditation' is a perennial plant, therefore, it resprouts from the existing root system each spring, continuing its cycle for several years. During winter, the plant enters a dormancy phase, conserving energy and resources until favorable growth conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echinacea 'White Meditation', commonly known as Coneflower, is most effectively propagated through division. The best time to propagate coneflowers by division is in the early spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method helps maintain the characteristics of 'White Meditation' since seed propagation can result in variable offspring.
