Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight' (PBR) (Cone-fections Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight' is a strikingly beautiful perennial known for its unique flower structure that contributes to its popularity in gardens. The most distinctive feature of this plant is its vibrant pink blooms. The flowers are characterized by a dense, fluffy dome of pink petals that resemble a pom-pom, which sits atop a second layer of longer, more traditionally shaped petals that radiate outwards. These double blooms give off a sense of lushness and depth, setting this variety apart from the single-flowered echinaceas typically seen. The center cone, which is common in all echinaceas, is less prominent in this variety due to the profusion of double petals. The foliage consists of deep green leaves that form a clumping habit, providing a lush backdrop for the eye-catching flowers. The leaves themselves are lance-shaped with a rough texture and serrated edges, offering a contrasting form and texture to the softness of the blooms. Overall, the Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight' is a visually appealing plant that boasts a unique, double-blossom variant of the native wildflower commonly known as the purple coneflower, providing a romantic and ornamental addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Double Decker Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight'
ToxicityTo humans
Coneflower, specifically Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight', is not known to be toxic to humans when touched or ingested in typical garden or landscaping exposure. This plant is actually widely used in herbal medicine, believed to support the immune system. However, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, stomach pain, and allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergies to other plants in the daisy family.
To pets
Coneflower, including the 'Pink Double Delight' variety, is also not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It's generally safe in gardens where pets may roam. Nonetheless, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the novelty and fiber content rather than toxicity. If these symptoms occur and are persistent, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, beneficial for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Long Blooming: This variety features a long blooming season, providing splashes of color from early summer to fall.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy perennial that is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is drought-resistant, requiring less watering compared to many other garden plants.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred choice for deer, making it an excellent option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Landscape Uses: With its vibrant pink flowers, it’s perfect for use in borders, mass planting, or as a focal point in a garden design.
- Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance once established and is generally free from common garden pests and diseases.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea purpurea is widely recognized for its potential to enhance the immune system.
- Common cold and respiratory tract infections: It is often used to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms associated with colds and other respiratory tract infections.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Due to naturally occurring compounds, Echinacea purpurea may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant contains antioxidants which can help to protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Antimicrobial activity: Echinacea has been studied for its potential antimicrobial properties against various pathogens.
- Wound healing: Topically, Echinacea extracts have been used in traditional medicine to aid in wound healing due to its purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' can be utilized as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of pinkish hues depending on the mordant used.
- The sturdy stems of the plant can be employed as natural supports for weaker or floppy neighboring plants in a mixed border.
- The dried seed heads and flowers of Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' can be added to potpourris, offering texture and a subtle natural fragrance.
- Your can plant them as a trap crop for Japanese beetles, which are attracted to Echinacea, thereby diverting them from other more valuable plants in the garden.
- In art, the bright petals and distinctive structure of Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' serve as an excellent subject for botanical illustration and photography projects.
- Its seed heads can be incorporated into autumn and winter wreaths and floral arrangements, adding a rustic charm to home decor.
- Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' petals can be gently pressed and used in making unique, nature-inspired bookmarks, cards, or even phone case designs.
- When harvested and properly dried, the stems and flowers can be used in homemade herbal smoking blends as a tobacco alternative.
- Entomology enthusiasts can plant Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' to attract and study various pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, for conservation efforts or photography.
- During the fall, Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight’'s dried seed heads can be left in the garden to provide food for local bird populations, such as finches and chickadees.
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 is widely known for its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to enhance the immune system and fight off infections.
- Strength: The robust nature of the Echinacea plant symbolizes inner strength and the ability to cope with adversity.
- Purity: The bright and prominent flowers symbolize purity of spirit and clarity of thought.
- Beauty: With its distinctive, ornate double blooms, Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight' represents beauty and uniqueness in the plant world.
WaterEastern purple coneflower should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, which benefits the plant's overall health and drought resistance. Water these plants with about one inch of water per week, ensuring a deep soak rather than frequent light watering. During periods of extended drought or extreme summer heat, increase watering slightly. For mature plants, watering once a week during the growing season should generally suffice, but young plants or those in containers may need twice weekly watering to establish themselves. Always allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering to prevent root rot.
LightEastern purple coneflower thrives best in full sunlight, meaning it requires at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day. The ideal spot for growing this coneflower is in an area where it receives ample morning sunlight and is not shaded in the afternoon, as full sun promotes strong stems and abundant blooms. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be less profuse in these conditions.
TemperatureEastern purple coneflower can withstand a wide range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can survive winter temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoys summer temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature range is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for robust growth and flowering. The plant is hardy and can endure the occasional temperature extremes outside of these ranges.
PruningPruning eastern purple coneflower is essential to maintain plant vigor and prolong blooming. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season encourages more blooms. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to about 3 inches above the ground. This annual pruning should be done in late fall or early winter. Additionally, removing damaged or diseased foliage as needed helps keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEchinacea 'Pink Double Delight', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, thrives in a well-draining soil mix composed of equal parts loam, peat, and sand. This ensures both adequate moisture retention and drainage. The soil pH should be within the range of 6.0 to 8.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPurple Coneflower, or Echinacea 'Pink Double Delight', typically doesn't need frequent repotting as it is commonly grown as a perennial outdoor plant. It may be divided or repotted if overgrown every 3-4 years, ideally in the spring.
Humidity & MistingEchinacea 'Pink Double Delight', commonly called Purple Coneflower, prefers outdoor conditions and thus does well in average ambient humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoors in its natural environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and moderate water; avoid overcrowding.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, space well, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleEastern purple coneflower 'Pink Double Delight' begins its life cycle when the seed germinates, typically in spring or early summer, given adequate moisture and temperature conditions. The seedling starts by developing a rosette of leaves at the soil surface and then progresses to form a deep taproot and a sturdy stem, followed by the true leaves, which are broader and more characteristic of the mature plant. In the first year, the plant focuses on vegetative growth, with little to no flowering; it's a perennial that invests in establishing a strong root system to support future growth. Flowering typically occurs in the second year, during which time the plant produces distinctive pink, double flowers on strong stems that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, seeds develop and mature, generally in late summer to fall, and are then dispersed by wind or animals to perpetuate the cycle. With the approach of winter, the plant may die back at the surface, but the roots remain alive, enabling the coneflower to re-emerge and continue its cycle in the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Pink Double Delight', commonly known as Coneflower, is typically propagated through division. The most popular method involves dividing the root system to create new plants. This is best done in the spring or autumn when the plant is dormant or just beginning to grow. To propagate, carefully dig up the entire clump of the coneflower, ensuring you get a significant amount of the root system. Use a sharp spade or knife to split the clump into smaller sections, each with a good piece of root and several shoots. Replant these divisions promptly, making sure they're planted at the same depth they were originally growing. This serves to rejuvenate the plant, encouraging more vigorous growth and maintaining the health of the flower bed.
