Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Vintage Wine' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea 'Vintage Wine', commonly known as the purple coneflower, is a striking perennial that boasts bold, daisy-like flowers. These blooms are characterized by their deep, rich pink to magenta petals which are broad, slightly reflexed, and surround a prominent, dark red to brownish central cone. The cone itself is spiky, adding texture and interest to the flower's appearance. This variety is distinguished by its vibrant flower color that seems to be reminiscent of a fine red wine, thus the name 'Vintage Wine'. The plant has sturdy stems and bears dark green, lance-shaped leaves that create a lush backdrop for the vibrant blooms that sit atop them. The overall impression is one of robust beauty, with the coneflower's prominent flowers creating a vivid splash of color in the garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Vintage Wine' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The Purple Coneflower is generally considered safe for human consumption. It is commonly used in herbal remedies, particularly for boosting the immune system. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially if they are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family. Consuming Purple Coneflower is not typically associated with severe toxic effects, but ingestion might lead to nausea, dizziness, headache, or an upset stomach in some cases. Always consult with a healthcare provider before consuming herbal supplements.
To pets
Purple Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered relatively safe if pets happen to ingest parts of the plant. That said, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions, so monitoring your pet for any signs of adverse effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation is a good precaution. If any symptoms do occur, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Vintage Wine' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden for pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is hardy and adaptable, requiring minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.
- Long Bloom Season: It has a lengthy flowering period, producing blossoms from early summer to fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is typically resistant to deer, which helps to prevent it from being eaten in areas with large deer populations.
- Color Accent: With its deep magenta-rose flowers, the plant offers a striking color accent for garden landscapes and bouquets.
- Structural Interest: It provides structural interest in garden beds and borders with its upright stems and cone-shaped flower heads.
- Low Maintenance: Echinacea 'Vintage Wine' requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional watering and deadheading of spent flowers.
- Winter Interest: The seed heads can be left on the plant in winter to provide visual interest and food for birds.
Medical Properties- Immune system support: Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used to stimulate the immune system.
- Common cold prevention: Some people use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: It's thought to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Wound healing: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to aid in wound healing and skin regeneration.
- Antioxidant effects: It contains compounds that have antioxidant properties, potentially helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Art: The Echinacea 'Vintage Wine' can be used in dried floral arrangements, retaining color and structure to create permanent decorative pieces.
- Fabric Dyeing: The plant's vibrant flowers can be used to naturally dye fabrics, giving them a unique, soft pink hue.
- Insect Habitat: When left in the garden during the winter, the dried seed heads provide shelter for beneficial insects and pollinators.
- Photography Subject: This cultivar with its deep red flowers makes a striking subject for garden photographers looking to capture the beauty of perennials.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational gardens plant Echinacea 'Vintage Wine' to teach students about perennial plant growth cycles and pollinator attractions.
- Garden Design: Its distinct hue can be used by garden designers to create a wine-themed garden palette incorporating similar shades.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary uses, the petals can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts.
- Botanical Illustration: Artists may choose to illustrate the Echinacea 'Vintage Wine' for botanical art due to its unique coloration and form.
- Companion Planting: This variety of Echinacea can be used in companion planting schemes to help signify the health of the soil and surrounding plants.
- Craft Projects: The cone-like centers and petals of the 'Vintage Wine' can be incorporated into craft projects, such as creating flower-pressed bookmarks.
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 and Health: Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in boosting the immune system and fighting off colds, symbolizing well-being and the body’s healing process.
- Strength and Resilience: Coneflower’s ability to withstand tough environmental conditions and its sturdy nature symbolize inner strength, durability, and the capacity to cope with adversity.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its vibrant 'Vintage Wine' blooms, the coneflower is also a symbol of beauty and attraction, representing a person's ability to stand out and the appeal of natural beauty.
- Prosperity: The abundant and long-lasting blooms of the coneflower are often associated with prosperity, reflecting the idea that diligence and hard work can lead to a rich and rewarding life.
- Unity: Coneflower’s prominent, spiky central cone, surrounded by petals, is sometimes seen as a symbol of unity and bringing together of people, suggestive of inclusiveness and community.
WaterThe Purple Coneflower should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, with more frequent watering during prolonged dry spells. Generally, aim to provide about an inch of water weekly, which equates to about 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as this plant does not like waterlogged roots. It's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. In winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightPurple Coneflower thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for planting would be an open area where the plant receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade is tolerable, especially in hotter climates, but may reduce the number of blooms and the overall vigor of the plant.
TemperaturePurple Coneflower prefers temperatures between 70°F and 85°F during the growing season for optimal growth. It is a hardy plant that can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0°F but ideally should not be subjected to prolonged periods of extreme cold. Conversely, it can handle summer highs up to around 95°F without significant stress.
PruningPruning Purple Coneflower is important to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continued flowering. Prune back the plants in late winter or early spring, leaving about an inch or two of the previous season's growth to protect the crown. Selective thinning of congested clumps can be done in the spring as the new shoots appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Vintage Wine' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A good soil mix for coneflowers consists of two parts loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand, which enhances drainage and mimics their natural growing conditions.
RepottingConeflower 'Vintage Wine' doesn't need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is generally only necessary if the plant has outgrown its current container or if the soil needs refreshing, which might occur every 3-4 years.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Vintage Wine' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and prefers average to low humidity, typical of outdoor conditions. There’s no need for additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Vintage Wine coneflowers.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Echinacea purpurea 'Vintage Wine', commonly known as Vintage Wine Coneflower, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when the soil temperature reaches around 70°F (21°C). Upon sprouting, the seedling develops its first pair of true leaves and continues to grow into a juvenile plant, establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of dark green foliage and by late spring or early summer, the coneflower starts to produce sturdy stems topped with solitary, daisy-like reddish-pink flowers with a raised, cone-shaped central disc. After pollination, primarily by bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into seed heads, which can self-sow or be collected for propagation. The plant typically enters a phase of dormancy during the colder winter months, although the hardy roots remain alive underground. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, the coneflower emerges once again, continuing its life cycle and gradually expanding its clump size each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Echinacea purpurea 'Vintage Wine', commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular and reliable method. This should ideally be done in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up an established plant and gently separate it into smaller clumps, making sure each new clump has a few shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into a well-prepared garden bed or pot, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and adequate air circulation. Regular watering and a period of establishment will be required before the plants begin to thrive independently.
