Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz' (PBR) (d)
ABOUT
The Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz' is a strikingly ornamental plant widely known by its common name, the purple coneflower. Unlike traditional purple coneflowers, this cultivar stands out with its unique and exuberant flower form. The blooms showcase a fluffy, pompom-like center that’s fringed by a ring of slender, drooping ray petals. These petals are characteristically a vibrant shade of pinkish-purple, offering a lively burst of color in the garden. This particular variety of the purple coneflower produces flowers that resemble double blooms due to the multitude of small, pinkish-purple petal-like structures packed tightly into the center cone, replacing the typical cone-shaped, spiky brown center found in standard varieties. The central dome, surrounded by its ray flowers, gives the appearance of being almost entirely filled in with these ruffled petal-like structures. The plant has a robust, branching habit with strong stems that bear dark green, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are slightly rough in texture, providing a lush backdrop for the showy flowers. Together, the leaves and flowers create a display that is both eye-catching and architecturally appealing. Overall, the Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz' contributes a touch of whimsy and an infusion of bold color to gardens, borders, or as a part of cut flower arrangements. Its unique flower form and vivid hue make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to add texture and depth to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Double-Decker Coneflower, Razzmatazz Purple Coneflower, Razzmatazz Echinacea
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz'.
ToxicityTo 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.
CharacteristicsLife 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
Benefits
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 QualitiesThis 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.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Echinacea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe 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.
WaterConeflower, commonly referred to as Echinacea 'Razzmatazz', requires consistent moisture, especially during blooming season and high heat. It's best to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon per plant to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. During prolonged dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. The watering method should be directed at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. Adjust water amounts and frequency based on your local weather conditions, soil type, and plant size.
LightConeflowers, including the Echinacea 'Razzmatazz', thrive in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some light shade, particularly in the afternoon, but full sun is ideal to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. The best spot would be an open area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureConeflowers like Echinacea 'Razzmatazz' prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in a range between 30°F and 85°F. They can survive temporary dips below freezing but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 30°F may damage or kill the plant. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 70°F during the day.
PruningPruning Echinacea 'Razzmatazz' promotes bushier growth and more flowers. It's best to deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to about 4 inches above the ground to prepare for new growth. Pruning can be done annually, after the first hard frost in fall or before new growth starts in spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Razzmatazz' thrives in a well-drained soil mix composed of garden loam, compost, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. The plant prefers a soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0, with a slightly acidic to neutral range being optimal for growth.
RepottingConeflowers, such as 'Razzmatazz', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Razzmatazz' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average garden conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, allow soil to dry between watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleEchinacea 'Razzmatazz' begins its life as a seed, which germinates in spring when soil temperatures are consistently warm, usually above 50°F (10°C). After germination, the seedling develops true leaves and establishes a strong root system throughout its first growing season. As a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, during which above-ground growth dies back and the plant conserves energy in its roots. In subsequent years, the plant re-emerges from its rootstock in spring, develops a rosette of leaves, followed by sturdy flowering stems that bloom in the summer, showcasing unique double-pink flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, which can last several weeks, the flowers fade and are succeeded by seed heads that mature in late summer to fall, releasing seeds to start the cycle anew if conditions permit. The plant continues this annual cycle of growth, blooming, and dormancy for several years, potentially being divided or propagated to maintain vigor or create new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Razzmatazz', commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, is usually propagated through division, which is a popular method due to its ease and effectiveness. Division is best done in spring or autumn when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate the clump into smaller pieces, making sure each section has a piece of the root system attached. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at a spacing of around 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart, watered thoroughly, and mulched lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. With adequate care, including watering to keep the soil consistently moist and application of general-purpose fertilizer, these divisions will establish themselves as independent plants and grow to fully mature over the following season.
