Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Green Twister'
ABOUT
The Echinacea purpurea 'Green Twister', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a unique and eye-catching perennial. The most striking feature of this variety is its distinctive flowers. Each flower has a cone-shaped center that is typically a deep, bold color, which can range from shades of brown to reddish tones. Radiating out from this central cone are petals that are an unusual combination of colors. The base of the petals starts with a chartreuse green shade that gradually transitions to a bright carmine pink toward the tips, giving the appearance of a two-tone effect that is both vibrant and alluring. The leaves of the 'Green Twister' are typical of the coneflower family, being dark green in color with an oval to lance-shaped contour, and their texture is somewhat rough with a noticeably veined pattern. The stems are strong and upright, which support the weight of the flowers well. The plant displays several flowers per stem, which creates an impressive visual impact in the garden. This coneflower variety blooms throughout the summer months and well into the fall, providing a long-lasting display of color and interest. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers, adding movement and life to the vibrant scene the plant creates. The 'Green Twister' coneflower brings a fresh and modern twist to the traditional look with its distinctive coloration, making it a standout choice for gardens looking to make a statement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Green Twister Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea.
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower is generally recognized as safe for human consumption and is widely used for medicinal purposes. However, like any substance, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress when ingesting it, especially if they have a history of allergies to other plants in the daisy family. There aren't any widely recognized toxic effects from ingesting coneflower, but consuming it in excessive quantities may lead to adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, or an upset stomach.
To pets
Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is often considered to be safe when ingested by animals, such as dogs or cats. However, it's always possible for pets to have individual sensitivities or allergies to any plant. If a pet does ingest coneflower and exhibits unusual symptoms, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. Typical adverse reactions might include mild gastrointestinal upset, but significant toxicity is not a common concern with this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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 'Green Twister' is known for drawing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which is important for pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming: This plant has a lengthy flowering period from early summer to autumn, offering a long-lasting display of color.
- Deer Resistant: Its natural resistance to deer browsing makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with a large deer population.
- Easy Maintenance: This hardy perennial requires minimal care once established and is relatively disease and pest resistant.
- Cold Hardy: As a tough plant, it can tolerate cold temperatures, making it a great option for a variety of climates.
- Landscape Versatility: 'Green Twister' can be used in a range of landscape applications, from borders and wildflower gardens to mass plantings.
- Non-Invasive: It typically remains where planted and does not spread aggressively, reducing maintenance and environmental concerns.
- Visual Interest: The unique green and magenta flowers provide a distinct visual appeal compared to the more common pinkish-purple Echinacea varieties.
- Seed Heads: After blooming, the seed heads add winter interest to the landscape and provide food for birds.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is traditionally used to support immune system health.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: It may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in reducing symptoms of inflammation-related conditions.
- Upper Respiratory Infections: It is often used for its purported effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of the common cold and other upper respiratory infections.
- Antioxidant Activity: Contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which help in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Wound Healing: Has been traditionally used topically for wound healing due to its potential antiseptic properties.
- Skin Health: Sometimes used in skincare products to improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: The distinct green and purple petals of the Echinacea 'Green Twister' can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower art, adding a unique color twist to the designs.
- Dye Source: Petals and seed heads of the Echinacea 'Green Twister' can be used to naturally dye fibers and textiles, yielding shades of green and brown.
- Photography Subject: With its striking colors, the Echinacea 'Green Twister' presents an excellent subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of unique garden plants.
- Educational Tool: The plant can serve as a living example to educate individuals about pollination and the attraction of bees and butterflies in a garden setting.
- Garden Border Accents: The robust and distinctive form of Echinacea 'Green Twister' can be planted to create eye-catching borders in home gardens.
- Floral Confetti: Dried petals of the Echinacea 'Green Twister' can be used as natural, biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly known for culinary uses, the petals can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and dishes, after ensuring they haven't been treated with pesticides or chemicals.
- Marker for Bee-friendly Gardens: Planting Echinacea 'Green Twister' signifies to neighbors and passersby that the garden supports local bee populations.
- Nature-inspired Artwork: The Echinacea 'Green Twister' can inspire painters and illustrators who specialize in botanical art due to its unique coloration.
- Companion Planting: The Echinacea 'Green Twister' can be planted alongside vegetables to attract beneficial insects that aid in pollination and pest control.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiConeflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityConeflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, has a long history of medicinal use, primarily known for its immune-boosting effects and ability to fend off colds.
- Strength and resilience: This hardy plant can withstand challenging conditions and represents the ability to endure and recover.
- Integrity: The upright posture of its flowers is often associated with moral fortitude and honesty.
- Beauty: With its unique 'Green Twister' petals, it symbolizes a natural and unconventional beauty.
WaterThe Coneflower 'Green Twister' should be watered deeply to encourage root development, which typically means providing the plant with 1 inch of water weekly, either through rainfall or manual watering. During hotter, dryer periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice per week. Overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in waterlogged soil should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. After the plant is established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Mulching around the plant can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for supplemental watering.
LightConeflower 'Green Twister' thrives in full sun for at least 6 hours a day, which promotes healthy growth and optimal flowering. A spot in the garden that receives bright sunlight for most of the day is ideal. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too little light may result in a weaker, less robust plant.
TemperatureConeflower 'Green Twister' can withstand a range of temperatures, and it is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and can handle summer temperatures well above 100°F. For optimal growth, maintaining temperatures between 65°F and 75°F is ideal for the Coneflower 'Green Twister'.
PruningPruning Coneflower 'Green Twister' is essential to promote vigorous growth and blooming. Deadheading spent flowers regularly throughout the blooming season encourages more blooms. Cut back the plants to their basal foliage in late fall or early spring to help maintain a tidy appearance and to stimulate new growth for the coming season. Pruning is typically done once at the end of the season or in early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Green Twister' thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingConeflower 'Green Twister' typically doesn’t need frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant appears root-bound.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Green Twister' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 18" apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEastern purple coneflower 'Green Twister' begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in the early spring when soil temperatures warm. The seeds will sprout and the plant will enter a vegetative stage, producing leaves and stems as it establishes a root system. Over time, the plant matures and enters the flowering stage, usually from mid-summer into early autumn, during which it develops its distinctive green and purple-pink inflorescences that attract various pollinators. After pollination, seeds are formed in cone-like structures, which will disperse naturally or can be collected for propagation. As a perennial, once the growing season ends, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and it enters a period of dormancy during winter. With the return of favourable conditions in the following spring, the plant will break dormancy, regrow from the rootstock, and the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Echinacea purpurea 'Green Twister', commonly known as Coneflower, is by seed. The optimal time to sow Coneflower seeds is in late winter to early spring, approximately 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds are typically sown in a seed starting mix at a shallow depth, roughly 1/8 inch (about 3 mm), as they require light for germination. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds generally germinate within 10 to 20 days at a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings emerge and grow large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
