Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Little Magnus' (PBR)
ABOUT
'Little Magnus' is a cultivar of Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower. This particular variety is known for its distinctive flowers which have a prominent, cone-shaped center that is typically a deep, lush orange to brown color, surrounded by petals that range in shade from vivid pink to a purplish hue. The petals are long, narrow, and slightly reflexed, meaning they curve outward from the cone, giving the flower a daisy-like appearance. This plant has a sturdy stem that holds the flower heads high above the foliage. The leaves are dark green, broadly lance-shaped, and have a rough, textured surface. The plant has an overall bushy and robust look, contributing to its appeal in ornamental gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus', Rudbeckia purpurea.
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, specifically Echinacea purpurea 'Little Magnus', is generally not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in herbal remedies for its immune-boosting properties. Ingesting parts of the coneflower plant typically does not lead to poisoning. However, some individuals may experience adverse reactions due to allergies or sensitivities, which could manifest as gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation after handling or consuming the plant.
To pets
Coneflower, including the Echinacea purpurea 'Little Magnus' variety, is also not regarded as toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in animals like cats and dogs if they ingest it. Much like in humans, some pets might have an allergic reaction or a slight gastrointestinal disturbance if they consume large quantities, but this is relatively uncommon and not typically severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Little Magnus' entices bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination of gardens and crops.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety shows resilience in dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond initial establishment, making it ideal for gardeners seeking beauty without the effort.
- Long Blooming Season: This plant produces flowers through summer and into fall, providing visual interest for an extended period.
- Deer Resistance: 'Little Magnus' is not a preferred food source for deer, which helps to prevent damage in gardens located in deer-populated areas.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, prairies, meadows, and as a cut flower in arrangements.
- Improves Biodiversity: Adding native plants like Echinacea to landscaping supports local ecosystems and wildlife.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea purpurea is commonly used to support the immune system.
- Cold and flu prevention: It is often used at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant has been noted for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant effects: Echinacea contains compounds that have antioxidant properties.
- Wound healing: Topically, it has been used to improve wound healing.
- Upper respiratory support: It may provide benefits for common respiratory issues.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Material - Dried Echinacea coneheads can be used in floral arrangements or as a natural component in art pieces, such as wreaths or mixed media paintings.
- Textile Dye - The petals of Echinacea purpurea can be used to produce a greenish-brown dye for fabrics, giving a natural and rustic look to textiles.
- Photography Subject - Echinacea purpurea's vibrant purple flowers serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography and garden portfolios, capturing the beauty of the plant.
- Insect Habitat - Echinacea can offer habitats for beneficial insects, serving as a host plant for caterpillars or an inviting space for ladybugs to hunt aphids.
- Educational Tool - This plant can be utilized in school projects and educational gardens to teach children about plant biology and pollination.
- Ecological Research - Echinacea purpurea can be used in ecological studies to understand plant-insect interactions and the impact of native flora on local ecosystems.
- Soil Erosion Control - As a sturdy, deep-rooted perennial, it can be planted to help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion.
- Symbolism in Celebrations - Echinacea flowers might be featured in ceremonies or weddings to represent strength and healing, despite its medical properties being excluded.
- Winter Bird Food - The seed heads of Echinacea purpurea can be left unpruned to provide a winter food source for birds such as finches and juncos.
- Garden Themes - Echinacea purpurea can be used to create specific garden themes, such as a butterfly garden or a native plant garden, enhancing biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiEchinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityEchinacea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially enhancing the immune system and fighting colds, which imbues it with symbolism related to healing and good health.
- Strength and Durability: The hardy nature of Echinacea 'Little Magnus' reflects attributes of strength and resilience, as it can thrive in various conditions and is relatively easy to care for.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its striking purple petals and prominent central cone, this plant symbolizes beauty and stands out in the garden, attracting not just human admirers but also butterflies and other pollinators.
- Resourcefulness and Adaptability: Given Echinacea's ability to adapt to different environments, it can represent resourcefulness and the capacity to thrive in diverse situations.
- Purity and Innocence: Although not the most common symbolism for Echinacea, the color purple can sometimes be associated with purity and innocence, particularly in a more spiritual or mystical context.
WaterThe Purple Coneflower 'Little Magnus' prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage a strong root system, usually once a week during its growing season, if there is no significant rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. During the heat of the summer, water requirements might increase to twice a week. It's generally recommended to provide the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall each time you water. Be sure to aim at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightPurple Coneflower 'Little Magnus' thrives best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal spot is one where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate light ensures vigorous growth and optimal flower production. These coneflowers can also handle some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade will result in fewer blooms and leggier plants.
TemperatureConeflower 'Little Magnus' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in zones 3 to 8. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable during the summer heat as long as it receives adequate moisture. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering for this plant is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPurple Coneflower 'Little Magnus' should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents unwanted self-seeding. It is also advisable to cut back the plants to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season, while a more thorough cutback is usually performed once a year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Little Magnus' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. An ideal soil mix can consist of garden soil, compost, and perlite in equal parts. This combination will ensure adequate nutrient content and proper drainage which is crucial for the health of the plant.
RepottingConeflower 'Little Magnus' is typically a garden perennial and doesn't require frequent repotting. Repotting is generally necessary only if it outgrows its container or starts showing signs of poor health. In containers, it may be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Little Magnus' is adaptable and tolerates a range of humidity levels. It thrives in outdoor conditions and does not require high humidity. Average ambient humidity will suffice for this hardy plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea purpurea 'Little Magnus', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring when the soil temperature is right, usually above 50°F (10°C). The seedling emerges and develops a deep taproot, with its first true leaves unfolding to start photosynthesis. Over the first season, the plant grows vegetatively, producing a rosette of leaves near the ground level. In the following year or years, the plant reaches maturity and produces sturdy stems that bear large, daisy-like flowers with pink-purple petals surrounding a prominent, cone-shaped central disk. These blooms typically appear in mid to late summer and attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. After flowering, seeds develop and are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle, while the plant itself can become dormant in winter, especially in colder climates, to resurge the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Little Magnus', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, reproduces well through seed propagation, which is its most popular method. For best results, sow the seeds either in the fall or winter, as they require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. To achieve this stratification, seeds can be mixed with moist sand and stored in a sealed plastic bag in a refrigerator for about 1-2 months (4-8 weeks). After stratification, seeds should be sown in containers or flats at a depth roughly equivalent to the seed's diameter, typically 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters), and placed in a sheltered area with sunlight. The germinating seeds ideally require temperatures around 70°F (about 21°C). Seedlings should be allowed to grow until they have a few pairs of true leaves before being transplanted into the garden. Once established, they can be spaced about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart to allow for mature plant growth.
