Green Jewel Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel', commonly known as the Eastern purple coneflower, exhibits a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other coneflowers. This variety is notable for its unique flower color. The blooms are a striking green, a rare hue for coneflower petals. These daisy-like flowers, typically born atop sturdy, upright stems, maintain their green coloration as they mature, offering a long-lasting display in gardens. The central cone of the flower, a prominent feature in echinaceas, is also unusual in 'Green Jewel', often displaying a greenish base that matures to a more traditional brownish color as the seeds develop. This cone is surrounded by the green petals which are slightly reflexed, or curved back from the cone, giving the flower a somewhat relaxed appearance. The leaves of 'Green Jewel' are typically broad, dark green, and coarsely toothed, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. They grow in a bushy and well-branched habit, which adds to the fullness of the plant's appearance. As with other varieties of Echinacea, 'Green Jewel' is favored for its hardiness and its ability to attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The distinct color and form of 'Green Jewel' make it a standout in mixed borders, naturalized areas, and as a component of wildlife-friendly gardens. It is also appreciated for its use in cut flower arrangements, where its unusual flower color can be quite striking.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Green Jewel Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Eastern purple coneflower is generally considered safe for human consumption. There are no significant reports of toxicity in humans associated with Eastern purple coneflower. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family. If ingested in medicinal quantities, overuse might lead to dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues in some cases.
To pets
Eastern purple coneflower is not commonly associated with toxicity in pets. This plant is generally considered safe for dogs and cats if ingested in small, occasional amounts. No significant symptoms of poisoning are expected. However, as each pet is individual, some may experience mild digestive upset if they consume large amounts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Green
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1.5 feet [45 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Green Jewel' is known to attract butterflies and bees, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, making it suitable for areas with lower water availability.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care once established, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period, which can provide color and interest in the garden from early to late summer.
- Deer Resistant: Echinacea 'Green Jewel' is not a preferred food source for deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain settings.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used to help support the immune system.
- Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections: It has been used in herbal medicine to help fight off or alleviate symptoms of common colds and other upper respiratory infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in reducing symptoms related to inflammation.
- Wound Healing: Echinacea purpurea has been used for its proposed wound healing benefits due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant Activity: The plant is known to contain antioxidants which may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Skin Health: Topically, Echinacea purpurea extracts are used in some skincare products for its purported skin-soothing properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subjects: The unique green flowers of Echinacea 'Green Jewel' make it an interesting subject for photographers and artists looking to capture its distinct color and form.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of green hues.
- Garden Design: Due to its unique color, Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can be used to create a "cooling" effect in garden designs, contrasting with warmer-colored flowers.
- Educational Tool: Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can be utilized in educational settings to teach about pollination and the role of coneflowers in supporting bee and butterfly populations.
- Floral Arrangements: Its striking green blossoms and sturdy stems make Echinacea 'Green Jewel' a desirable addition to contemporary and rustic floral arrangements.
- Theme Gardens: Echinacea 'Green Jewel' is ideal for 'green-themed' gardens or St. Patrick's Day garden displays due to its distinctive color.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations.
- Bird Attraction: After blooming, Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can attract birds, which feed on the seeds in the late summer and fall.
- Bee Hotels: The strong, hollow stems of Echinacea 'Green Jewel' when dried, can be used in bee hotels to attract solitary bees for nesting.
- Craft Supplies: Dried flower heads of Echinacea 'Green Jewel' can be incorporated into homemade crafts, such as wreaths or potpourri.
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: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.
- Strength: The coneflower has an association with strength due to its sturdy stems and resilience, symbolizing an individual's inner strength to cope with adversity.
- Purity: The 'Green Jewel' variant, with its unique green hues, suggests a connection to purity and cleanliness, values often associated with the color green.
- Resourcefulness: Echinacea's ability to adapt and thrive in different conditions symbolizes resourcefulness and the ability to make the most out of difficult situations.
WaterConeflower 'Green Jewel' should be watered deeply and infrequently to establish a strong root system, approximately one inch per week either from rainfall or supplementary watering. During dry spells or particularly hot weather, increase watering to twice a week, providing about half a gallon for each plant per watering session. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant. Ensure that the soil dries out between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightConeflower 'Green Jewel' requires full sun to thrive, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an open area where sunlight is not obstructed by trees or buildings. Partial shade is tolerated, but flowering may be reduced and the plant may become leggy.
TemperatureConeflower 'Green Jewel' is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. It is important to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations to ensure the health and vitality of the plant.
PruningPrune Coneflower 'Green Jewel' regularly to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plant to a few inches above the ground after the first frost in fall or early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Green Jewel' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, favoring a slightly acidic to neutral range.
RepottingConeflower 'Green Jewel' is typically grown as a perennial and does not require frequent repotting; it can be divided every 3-4 years during spring.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Green Jewel' is adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels; it can thrive in average outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleEchinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel' (PBR), commonly known as Eastern purple coneflower, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, usually in the spring, requiring stratification or a period of cold to break dormancy. The seedling emerges with a set of cotyledons (seed leaves) and then grows true leaves, developing into a juvenile plant. As the plant matures, it forms a deep taproot and a rosette of leaves in the first year, with flowering typically occurring in the second year. The distinctive green flowers bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are integral for the plant's reproduction through cross-pollination. Following pollination, the cone-like centers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind or animals. The plant goes dormant in the fall, with the roots surviving underground to sprout again the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, is most effectively propagated by division. The ideal time to divide this perennial is either in the early spring or in the fall, when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system and a few shoots. Replant the divisions promptly into well-draining soil, spacing them about 1 to 3 feet apart to allow for ample growth. Water them well after planting to help establish the new plants. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may be experiencing reduced flowering and ensures the new plants remain true to the parent's characteristics.
