Eastern purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Coconut Lime' (PBR) (Cone-fections Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Echinacea purpurea 'Coconut Lime' is a distinctive perennial cherished for its unique flower presentation. This plant is part of the Cone-fections Series and features beautiful blooms that capture the eye. The flowers have a dreamy, creamy white coloring that is tinged with soft lime green at the base, giving it a subtle yet refreshing appearance. The petals are typically broad and slightly reflexed, drooping down from the central cone in an elegant manner. At the heart of each bloom is a prominent, raised cone that starts out green and gradually turns to a more golden hue as the season progresses. This cone is spiky to the touch and adds texture to the flower's overall appearance. This central cone is surrounded by the creamy white petals, which create a striking contrast against the green foliage of the plant. The leaves of the 'Coconut Lime' are dark green, lance-shaped, and have a slightly rough texture. They form a lush backdrop that makes the flowers stand out even more. The plant itself forms a clump, with stems branching out and bearing individual flower heads. Overall, the 'Coconut Lime' Echinacea presents a delightful combination of soft colors and interesting textures, making it a standout in garden displays or as cut flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Coconut Lime Coneflower.
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Coconut Lime'
ToxicityTo humans
Purple coneflower is generally considered safe for human consumption. It is widely used in herbal medicine, particularly for boosting the immune system. There is no well-documented toxicity for humans associated with the consumption of Echinacea purpurea. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed. In rare cases, ingestion may lead to side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or rashes.
To pets
Purple coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is regarded as a safe plant around animals, and there is limited evidence of any serious risk associated with its ingestion by pets. As with any non-food plant, if a pet ingested large quantities, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Always monitor your pet's health and consult a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms arise after ingesting any part of Purple coneflower.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
18 inches (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: 'Coconut Lime' Echinacea is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, this variety of coneflower is quite drought resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Long blooming period: It offers a lengthy blooming season, with flowers that usually last from early summer to fall.
- Low maintenance: This perennial plant requires minimal care once it’s settled in, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Landscape aesthetic: The unique creamy-white flowers with a green cone center can provide a striking contrast in the garden.
- Cut flower use: Its robust stems and long-lasting blooms make 'Coconut Lime' Echinacea a great choice for fresh flower arrangements.
- Resistant to deer: This plant is typically resistant to deer browsing, which is beneficial for gardens in areas with a deer presence.
- Winter interest: The seed heads of 'Coconut Lime' can be left on the plant during winter, providing aesthetic appeal even in the colder months.
- Easy to propagate: These plants can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings without additional cost.
- Suitable for containers: It can be grown in containers, providing flexibility to gardeners with limited space or who prefer container gardening.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea is known for its potential to boost the immune system.
- Common cold and respiratory infections: It is often used to help reduce symptoms and duration of the common cold.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Echinacea may help reduce inflammation, potentially aiding in the treatment of conditions such as skin disorders or upper respiratory issues.
- Antioxidant effects: Contains compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound healing: Topical use has been associated with improved wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Monarch butterfly habitat: Echinacea purpurea attracts monarch butterflies providing them with a rich source of nectar during their migration.
- Natural dye: The petals and seed heads of Echinacea purpurea can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics and yarn.
- Floral arrangements: The unique 'Coconut Lime' variety adds an exotic touch to cut flower arrangements and can be used fresh or dried.
- Educational tool: Schools and educational programs use Echinacea purpurea to teach students about plant biology and ecology.
- Garden design: This variety provides an architectural element to garden design, thanks to its bold flowers and sturdy stems.
- Photography subject: With its striking appearance, Echinacea purpurea is often used by photographers as a subject in nature and macro photography.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use this plant's unique form and color as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Companion planting: Echinacea purpurea can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract pollinators and improve yields.
- Wildlife shelter: The sturdy stems and foliage offer shelter for small wildlife, including beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Memorial gardens: Echinacea purpurea is sometimes planted in memorial gardens as a perennial tribute that returns year after year.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple Coneflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purple Coneflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, widely recognized as a medicinal plant, symbolizes health and well-being as it's often used to boost the immune system.
- Strength and Resilience: This hardy plant is known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it a symbol of durability and strength.
- Beauty: With its striking flowers and vibrant colors, Echinacea represents beauty and grace in the garden.
- Purity: The white-tinted 'Coconut Lime' variety specifically can symbolize purity and cleanliness due its crisp, clean coloration.
WaterThe Purple Coneflower should be watered deeply to encourage root development, usually around 1 inch per week, but this can vary depending on weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week, ensuring that the soil doesn't dry out completely. Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray attachment to avoid dislodging the soil around the plant's base. Monitor the plant's response to watering and adjust as necessary, as overwatering can lead to root rot. In general, provide about 0.5 to 1 gallon of water weekly, depending on the environmental conditions and soil moisture levels.
LightThe Purple Coneflower thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum growth and flowering. A spot in the garden that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day is ideal. While it can tolerate some light shade, too much shade may result in weaker stems and fewer blooms.
TemperaturePurple Coneflowers are hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range, thriving in conditions from approximately -30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and blooming is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can survive freezing temperatures, prolonged exposure to temperatures below -30 degrees Fahrenheit may be harmful.
PruningPruning Purple Coneflowers helps maintain their shape, remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering, and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Deadhead the flowers throughout the blooming season to promote more blooms. After the first hard frost in the fall, cut back the stems to about 3 inches above the ground. This can also be done in early spring if you prefer to leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEchinacea, commonly known as 'Coconut Lime', thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A good mix is one-third topsoil, one-third compost, and one-third coarse sand or perlite. This recipe ensures proper drainage and fertility for robust growth.
RepottingConeflower 'Coconut Lime' should be repotted every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to refresh the soil. The best time to repot this perennial is in early spring or fall, avoiding hot summer months to reduce stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingConeflowers like 'Coconut Lime' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. They can grow well in average outdoor humidity conditions typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Coconut Lime' in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Coconut Lime' in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Echinacea purpurea 'Coconut Lime' is Eastern Purple Coneflower. The life cycle begins with seed germination, occurring in spring when soil temperatures are warm enough. Seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of leaves during the first growing season. The plant enters a vegetative stage, forming a deep taproot and a clump of foliage. Flowering typically occurs in the second year and throughout subsequent summers, producing distinctive white flowers with a lime-green center cone. After the blooming period, seeds develop and disperse, either self-sowing in the garden or being collected for propagation, and the plant enters a period of dormancy in winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Coconut Lime' is most commonly propagated by dividing the root structure, which is best done during the plant's dormancy in either early spring or fall. When dividing, gardeners should carefully dig up the entire plant, gently separating the roots into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade, ensuring that each new section has at least one growth bud. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were growing originally, spaced approximately 1 to 3 feet apart, which is equivalent to about 30 to 90 centimeters, to allow sufficient room for growth. Regular watering after transplantation helps to establish the new plants. This technique allows for the preservation of the unique characteristics of 'Coconut Lime', while also rejuvenating older plants that have become woody or less vigorous.
