White Coneflower Echinacea 'White Spider'
ABOUT
The Echinacea 'White Spider', commonly known as the White Spider Coneflower, is an attractive perennial that boasts distinct and eye-catching features. This plant is characterized predominantly by its unique flower form. The blossoms exhibit an interesting spider-like appearance, which is a key distinguishing trait. The flowers are composed of daisy-like white petals that tend to droop or reflex downwards, giving the plant a relaxed and somewhat informal look. At the center of each flower lies a prominent, cone-shaped central disk, which typically bears a greenish-yellow color, gradually transitioning to a darker hue with maturity. This conical hub adds an extra dimension to the flower's architecture. Each petal of the White Spider Coneflower is narrow, elongate, and somewhat quill-shaped. This contributes to the "spider" aspect of the flower's common name, with the petals resembling spider legs extending from the central cone. Foliage on the plant is a rich green color, forming a lush backdrop for the standout blooms. The leaves are lanceolate or ovate with rough-textured edges, providing a coarse feel when touched. Though the actual size of the plant is not discussed, the White Spider Coneflower's visual impact comes from the combination of its radiant white blooms with the striking central cones and the vibrant green foliage, creating a striking contrast in the garden throughout its blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
White Spider Coneflower, White Spider Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea 'White Spider'.
ToxicityTo humans
The White Coneflower is generally considered safe and non-toxic to humans. It is often used in herbal remedies for its potential immune-boosting properties. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects such as gastrointestinal upset if they have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family or if consumed in excessive amounts.
To pets
The White Coneflower is also considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not known to cause any serious poisoning or adverse reactions. However, if a pet ingests a large amount of the plant material, mild gastrointestinal upset could potentially occur.
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 Spider' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate your garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial requires minimal care once it is established, needing only occasional watering and deadheading.
- Long Blooming: It has a relatively long blooming period that lasts from early summer to autumn, providing extended color in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Echinacea 'White Spider' is resistant to cold and can survive harsh winters in many climates.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides a habitat and food source for wildlife, especially birds who feed on its seeds in the fall and winter.
- Landscape Uses: It is an excellent choice for mixed borders, prairie-style plantings, and as a focal point in a floral arrangement due to its unique flower form.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is commonly used to help boost the immune system and reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant may have anti-inflammatory effects which can help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant effects: Echinacea contains compounds that can act as antioxidants to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antimicrobial action: Some studies suggest Echinacea has antimicrobial properties that may help in fighting various infections.
- Wound healing: Echinacea has been used topically for healing wounds, due to potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'White Spider' can be used as a natural dye to color fabrics or yarn with subtle earth tones, as the flowers and roots may release pigments during the dyeing process.
- The sturdy stems of the Echinacea plant can be incorporated into homemade paper, giving texture and visual interest to the finished product.
- Gardeners may plant Echinacea as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects, such as predatory wasps, which help control garden pests.
- Floral artists use Echinacea in dried flower arrangements due to their structure and longevity after being dried.
- The flowers can be used to create natural, botanical prints on fabric or paper by hammering or pressing the fresh blooms to transfer the pigments and shapes.
- Echinacea leaves and petals can be included in compost piles as a source of beneficial nutrients and organic matter for soil amendment.
- Pressed Echinacea flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or decoupage projects.
- The spiky, distinctive seed heads of Echinacea can be a textural element in winter gardens or as part of frost-resistant outdoor decorations.
- Bird enthusiasts often leave seed heads on the plants in autumn to provide a food source for birds like goldfinches that feed on the seeds.
- Echinacea can be used as a natural insect repellent barrier when crushed and scattered around outdoor seating areas, as some insects may be deterred by the scent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Echinacea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea, also known as Coneflower, is well-known for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system.
- Purity: The 'White Spider' variety of Echinacea, with its white petals, symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
- Strength and Durability: Coneflower is recognized for its hardiness and ability to withstand tough conditions, representing personal strength and endurance.
- Beauty: With its distinctive, elegant white blooms, the 'White Spider' Echinacea signifies natural beauty and grace.
WaterConeflower 'White Spider' should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to fully saturate until excess water drains from the pot's bottom. This variety prefers regular watering, roughly 1 inch per week, either from rainfall or by hand, although this can be adjusted depending on weather conditions—more frequent watering in periods of drought and less during rainy seasons. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering and root rot. A good approach is to water it once every week, adjusting as needed for temperature and rainfall, ensuring you are providing consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil.
LightConeflower 'White Spider' thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but full sun is ideal. Choose a spot in your garden that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day to ensure that your Coneflower 'White Spider' grows healthy and strong.
TemperatureConeflower 'White Spider' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as cold as –30°F to temperatures well above 90°F. The ideal temperature range for promoting growth and flowering is between 65°F and 70°F. These plants are cold-hardy and can survive winter in areas with temperatures down to –20°F without needing special protection.
PruningConeflower 'White Spider' should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In the fall, after flowering has ceased, cut back the stems to about 3 inches above the ground to prepare the plant for winter. Additionally, pruning in late winter or early spring can help remove any damaged or dead tissue and make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'White Spider' thrives in a well-drained soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix can consist of garden soil, compost, and perlite to ensure proper drainage. Enriching the soil with organic matter will help support healthy growth.
RepottingConeflower 'White Spider' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years. It is best repotted in the spring, just as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'White Spider' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels; it does well in average outdoor humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and let soil dry slightly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; mulch in autumn.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'White Spider', commonly known as the White Spider coneflower, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. The seedling emerges and develops a rosette of leaves at ground level before establishing a deep taproot. As the plant matures, typically within the first year, it grows upward with a sturdy stem and produces lance-shaped leaves along with branched stems leading to flower buds. The flower buds bloom in the summer to early fall, revealing the characteristic white petals and raised central cone, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed heads, which dry out and disperse their seeds in late fall to winter, completing the reproductive cycle. If the plants are not deadheaded, they may self-sow, and the cycle begins anew, while established clumps can also be propagated by dividing in the spring or fall.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Echinacea 'White Spider', commonly known as the White Coneflower, is generally propagated by division, which is the most popular method. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in full bloom. To propagate by division, first, carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp, clean spade or knife, slice through the root ball to separate it into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for sufficient room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish roots in their new locations. Division not only helps to propagate White Coneflower but also invigorates older plants that might be waning in vigor.
