Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin'
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin', commonly known as the purple coneflower, is a striking perennial plant known for its distinctive and showy flowers. The plant displays a prominent central cone that is typically orange-bronze in color, which is surrounded by a halo of vibrant purple-pink petals that are long, narrow, and slightly reflexed, often draping downward around the cone. The flowers are borne atop strong, sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. The leaves of the purple coneflower are dark green, with a coarse texture that can be slightly hairy. They are broadly lance-shaped with a pointed tip and toothed edges, and are often arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The deep green foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright color of the blooms, making it a favored choice for gardeners. This plant typically blooms in the late summer months, with the flowers attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden. The prominent cones also provide winter interest and food for birds, as the seeds within the cone are favored by wildlife, especially finches. The overall appearance of Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin' is that of a hardy and robust flower that adds color and life to gardens with its attractive blooms and its role as a beneficial plant for pollinators and birds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, August Queen
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin'.
ToxicityTo humans
Echinacea, the most common name of Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin', is generally considered safe for human consumption. It is commonly used in herbal medicine for its believed immune-boosting properties. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those who are allergic to other plants in the daisy family. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itchy skin, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, excessive use may lead to gastrointestinal upset or other issues, but this is due to the medicinal properties rather than toxicity per se.
To pets
Echinacea is not toxic to pets, and the most common name of Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin' is simply Echinacea. It is often considered safe for dogs and cats in moderate amounts. If a pet does consume Echinacea, they might experience minor digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, especially if they are not accustomed to it or if they consume large amounts. However, these symptoms would typically arise from the nature of introducing a new substance into their diet rather than from a toxic reaction to the plant. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian before adding any new herbs to your pet's diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is renowned for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Purple Coneflower becomes drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is highly adaptable to various soil conditions and is generally low maintenance, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Purple Coneflower has a long flowering season, usually from early summer to autumn, providing extended visual interest.
- Supports Biodiversity: By attracting a range of pollinators, Purple Coneflower helps to maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem in the garden.
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: With its vibrant purple petals and prominent central cone, it adds color and texture to garden beds and borders.
- Deer Resistance: Purple Coneflower is often resistant to browsing by deer, making it a good choice in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Cut Flower Garden: Its durable and attractive blooms make it a great addition to cut flower gardens, for use in bouquets and arrangements.
- Naturalizing: Purple Coneflower can self-seed under appropriate conditions, gradually expanding its presence in the garden without becoming invasive.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea purpurea is widely recognized for its potential to enhance the immune system's ability to fight infections.
- Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections: It is often used to reduce symptoms and duration of the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: The plant has been attributed with anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce symptoms in various inflammatory conditions.
- Antioxidant Activity: Echinacea contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound Healing: Echinacea has been used topically in traditional medicine to help with wound healing and skin regeneration.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Some components in Echinacea are thought to possess antimicrobial activity that could be beneficial against certain pathogens.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Echinacea petals can be used to create natural dyes that offer a range of colors from greens to browns, depending on the mordant used.
- Photography Project: The striking appearance of Echinacea makes it an excellent subject for botanical photography and art projects.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs can use Echinacea plants to teach children about pollination and the lifecycle of plants.
- Garden Borders: Echinacea can be used in landscape design as border plants due to their height and vibrant floral display.
- Floral Arrangements: The dried or fresh flowers of Echinacea can be incorporated into bouquets and floral decorations.
- Butterfly Gardening: Echinacea attracts butterflies, making it ideal for creating butterfly gardens and supporting pollinator populations.
- Companion Planting: Echinacea can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects that help with pest control.
- Bird Attraction: The seed heads of Echinacea plants provide food for birds, especially finches, in the fall and winter.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the form and color of Echinacea blooms as inspiration for paintings, sculptures, and textile designs.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the bright petals of Echinacea can be used as a colorful garnish for food presentations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPurple coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPurple coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system and fighting infections.
- Strength and Resilience: As a plant that is hardy and can withstand tough environmental conditions, Echinacea symbolizes an individual’s strength and ability to cope with adversity.
- Purity and Simplicity: The 'Augustkönigin' variety, with its purple coneflower, is often associated with purity and the simplicity of nature due to its simple yet striking appearance.
- Beauty and Attraction: Purple coneflower is valued for its aesthetic appeal in gardens, symbolizing beauty and the power to attract both people and pollinators, like butterflies and bees.
- Connection with Nature: Echinacea is often used in natural healing and ties deeply with holistic medicine, symbolizing a strong connection with nature and natural remedies.
WaterEastern purple coneflower should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, typically needing about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. In the absence of rain, water once a week with about 0.5 gallons per plant, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. During hot, dry spells, water may be needed twice a week, but always allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent overwatering. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightEastern purple coneflower thrives best in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot is in an open area where the plant can get unobstructed sunlight throughout the day without being shaded by trees or buildings.
TemperatureEastern purple coneflower is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperature extremes quite well. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°F in the winter and can tolerate high summer temperatures as long as they are well-watered. The ideal growing temperature range is between 60°F and 70°F, which promotes healthy growth.
PruningPruning eastern purple coneflower is important to promote bushier growth, encourage more blooms, and maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly during the blooming season to encourage more blooms. Cut back the plants to about 3 inches above the ground after the first hard frost in the fall or early winter, which helps to prevent pests and diseases and stimulates new growth in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPurple Coneflower thrives best in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Mix garden soil with compost and ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
RepottingPurple Coneflower is typically not repotted as it is a perennial that prefers to grow outdoors; it may require division every 3-4 years to maintain health.
Humidity & MistingPurple Coneflower is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require specific humidity levels for optimal growth as it is quite hardy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, limited indoor lifespan.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, mulch in winter, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, begins with seed germination, typically in spring, when soil temperatures reach around 65-70°F (18-21°C). After germination, the seedlings grow rapidly, forming a rosette of leaves by the first year. In the second year, the plants develop sturdy, branching stems and bloom with large, showy purple-pink flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers form seed heads which mature by late summer or fall. The seeds disperse naturally or can be collected for propagation. Purple Coneflower is a perennial, continuing its life cycle by dying back to the ground in winter and re-emerging from its rootstock in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
For the Echinacea purpurea 'Augustkönigin', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, division is the most popular method of propagation. This is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully lift the plant from the ground and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a piece of the root system attached. It's important to replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were originally growing and water them well to ensure they establish quickly. This method of propagation allows gardeners to rapidly increase their stock of Purple Coneflowers while maintaining the health and vigor of their existing plants.
