Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz' (PBR) (d)

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Double-Decker Coneflower, Razzmatazz Purple Coneflower, Razzmatazz Echinacea

• Common names

  Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Echinacea, commonly referred to as coneflower, is typically not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in herbal remedies to support the immune system. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset if they are sensitive or if a large amount is ingested. It is always advisable to use plants for medicinal purposes under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

• To pets

  Echinacea or coneflower is generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. It is not known to cause poisoning in dogs and cats; however, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always best to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not meant for their diet to avoid any potential issues.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  3 feet (0.91 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-8

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts Wildlife: Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Long Blooming: This variety has an extended blooming period from midsummer to early fall, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.
• Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
• Cutting Garden Ideal: The flowers make excellent fresh cut arrangements, adding color and interest to bouquets.
• Aesthetic Appeal: 'Razzmatazz' has unique double pink blooms that provide a distinctive visual interest in garden beds and borders.
• Hardy Perennial: It is a hardy plant in many climates, capable of surviving cold winters and coming back year after year.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden.

Medical Properties

• Immune system support: Echinacea is widely believed to boost the immune system and reduce the symptoms of colds and flu.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The plant may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Antioxidant effects: Echinacea contains compounds that have antioxidant activity, which can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
• Antimicrobial activity: It is thought to have antimicrobial properties that could be effective against various bacteria and viruses.
• Wound healing and skin health: Echinacea has been used topically to help with wound healing and improving overall skin health.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The dried seed heads of Echinacea can be used to create unique and natural bird feeders. Simply leave the seed heads standing in the garden or attach them to a post to attract finches and other seed-eating birds.
• Use Echinacea in natural dye-making processes. The petals, particularly of the 'Razzmatazz' variety, can impart a faint yellow to green hue on fabrics.
• Add Echinacea flowers to potpourri mixes for a lovely visual element and subtle fragrance when dried.
• The sturdy stems of Echinacea can be utilized in basket weaving, especially after they have turned woody at the end of the season.
• Echinacea petals can be added to handmade paper to create a decorative effect with flecks of natural color and texture.
• Use the vibrant petals of Echinacea as a natural confetti for eco-friendly outdoor celebrations, as they are biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment.
• Create a floral ink or eco-print with Echinacea petals by boiling them to extract the essence and color for artistic projects.
• The flowers can be pressed and used in laminated bookmarks or decorative panels for a touch of natural beauty in everyday items.
• Echinacea roots and stems can be dried and burned as incense for a mild, earthy aroma, although this is less common than using the flowers in various crafts.
• Echinacea flowers can serve as an indicator plant in gardens, due to their attractiveness to pollinators, signaling a healthy, biodiverse environment.

Feng Shui

The plant Echinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Echinacea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially its ability to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
• Strength and Resilience: The robust nature of the Purple Coneflower, with its ability to thrive in difficult conditions, represents strength and the power to endure challenging situations.
• Purity: The Echinacea flower's traditional use in medicine also gives it a symbolic meaning of purity and cleanliness, as it helps clear infections.
• Beauty and Attraction: With its striking appearance, Purple Coneflower symbolizes beauty and a magnetic allure that draws in both people and pollinators.