White Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' (PBR)
ABOUT
Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' (PBR), commonly known as the white cone flower, is a striking perennial plant known for its showy flowers and robust growth. This plant features large daisy-like blooms with a distinctive appearance. The flowers have a prominent, raised central cone that is typically orange or brown in color, surrounded by white petals that are arranged horizontally or slightly drooping. These petals are long, slender, and oval-shaped, sometimes showing a hint of pink upon close inspection. The cone at the center of the flower is not just a visual highlight; it is also rich in texture, with a spiky surface that adds an interesting tactile element to the plant. Surrounding the central cone, the white petals create a crisp, clean contrast that can brighten any garden landscape. The foliage of the white cone flower consists of dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and have a coarse texture. These leaves are usually arranged in a spiral formation along the sturdy stems, providing a lush backdrop for the stunning flowers. The leaves might also present a slightly serrated edge, contributing to the textured look of the entire plant. Altogether, the combination of its radiant white flowers with the dark green foliage makes the white cone flower a favorite among gardeners who wish to add visual interest and elegance to their gardens. Despite avoiding discussion of its dimensions, the white cone flower is clearly a vibrant and substantial addition to any outdoor space, prized for its aesthetic appeal and hardy nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Virgin Coneflower
Common names
Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
The Purple Coneflower is generally considered safe for human consumption. It's widely used in herbal remedies, particularly for immune system support. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or side effects, particularly if they have allergies to other plants in the daisy family. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rashes, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If ingested in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset could theoretically occur, but this is not commonly reported. The plant does not possess any known significant toxicity for humans.
To pets
The Purple Coneflower is not known to be toxic to pets. This plant is often considered safe for dogs, cats, and other animals when ingested in small, non-excessive amounts. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the novelty of the plant material in their diet rather than any specific toxicity. However, if your pet is showing symptoms of illness after eating any plant, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Echinacea 'Virgin' is known for attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is very tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant has a long flowering season, typically from early summer to autumn, adding extended color to landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Echinacea 'Virgin' requires minimal care once established; it is relatively pest-free and does not need frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Winter Interest: With its sturdy stems and seed heads, Echinacea 'Virgin' can provide visual interest in the garden even during the winter months.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms of Echinacea 'Virgin' are excellent for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: Echinacea 'Virgin' is not typically favored by deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.
Medical Properties- Immune System Support: Echinacea is widely used to stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body's ability to fight infections.
- Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections: It is commonly taken at the onset of cold symptoms or to reduce the duration of colds and respiratory tract infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: Echinacea has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which might be beneficial in reducing symptoms related to inflammation.
- Wound Healing: It has been traditionally used to aid in wound healing, thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Skin Conditions: Echinacea is sometimes used topically for skin conditions due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Analgesic Properties: The plant may have mild pain-relieving properties.
- Antioxidant Properties: Echinacea contains compounds that have antioxidant effects, which can help protect cells from damage.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Companion Planting: Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' can be used in companion planting to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can improve the overall health and productivity of a garden.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct appearance of the flower can serve as a muse for artists and photographers looking to capture the intricate details of nature in their work.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in school gardens to teach children about plant biology, life cycles, and the importance of indigenous species to local ecosystems.
- Dye Production: The flowers and roots of Echinacea purpurea can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering shades of green and brown.
- Fresh Cut Flowers: With its robust stems and long-lasting flowers, the plant is a popular choice for fresh floral arrangements.
- Livestock Forage: Although not a common use, in times of scarcity the plant could potentially provide forage for certain livestock, particularly when other food sources are limited.
- Biodegradable Plant Supports: Sturdy, dried echinacea stems from past seasons can be recycled as natural supports for other floppy garden plants.
- Mood Enhancement: Simply observing or being around the Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' due to its vibrant flowers and the wildlife it attracts can improve well-being and serve as a form of horticultural therapy.
- Cooking Garnish: While not a typical herb, petals from the Echinacea purpurea flower can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and dishes, as long as they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Symbolism in Occasions: Often used in ceremonies or events, the Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' can symbolize strength and healing in various cultural rituals, despite excluding its medicinal properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Echinacea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is widely known for its medicinal properties, particularly in boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.
- Strength and Durability: The plant's ability to withstand harsh conditions and its sturdy stems symbolize resilience and endurance.
- Beauty: With its striking purple petals and prominent central cone, Echinacea symbolizes a unique beauty that stands out in the garden.
- Purity: The specific variety 'Virgin' with its white flowers could be associated with cleanliness, innocence, and purity in its color symbolism.
WaterConeflower, or Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin', prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During dry spells or extreme heat, increase watering to twice per week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely. When watering, aim for about one gallon of water per plant to sufficiently saturate the root zone. During the cooler months or in rainy conditions, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightConeflower thrives best in full sun to part shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. The ideal spot would be one where morning sunlight is abundant, promoting healthy growth and bloom production.
TemperatureConeflower is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from a winter low of about -30°F to a summer high well into the 90s°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' is between 65°F and 70°F. These plants are robust and can thrive in normal outdoor conditions across many growing zones.
PruningPruning coneflower helps to promote fuller growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent blossoms, encourages new flowers to develop. Prune back the plants to about a third of their height each spring to stimulate bushy growth. Pruning is best done after flowering has ceased or in early spring before new growth emerges.
CleaningAs needed
SoilConeflower 'Virgin' thrives in well-draining soil mixed with compost and a bit of sand. The optimal pH for this plant is between 6.0 and 8.0, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
RepottingConeflower 'Virgin' typically does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 3-4 years to refresh the soil or if it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingConeflower 'Virgin' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does best in an outdoor environment with natural atmospheric humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal care.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when dry.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleConeflower 'Virgin' begins its lifecycle as a seed, requiring stratification or a period of cold to break dormancy. Upon germination in early spring, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant, forming a rosette of leaves as it matures. In the first year, it focuses on root and foliage growth, rarely flowering. By the second year, the plant reaches maturity and produces its characteristic large, white daisy-like flowers with raised, central cones throughout the summer. After pollination, typically by bees or butterflies, seeds develop and disperse in late summer to fall, either by wind or animal movement. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the winter, with the roots surviving underground to regrow the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Echinacea purpurea 'Virgin' (PBR), commonly known as the Purple Coneflower, is best propagated by clump division. This is typically done in spring or autumn. Division involves digging up an established clump of the coneflower and gently separating it into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system intact. You should replant these sections immediately at the same depth they were growing at previously, and water them well to help establish the divisions. This method not only helps to create more plants but can also rejuvenate older clumps that might be starting to die out in the center. Division is the most popular and practical way for gardeners to propagate the Purple Coneflower at home, as it ensures the new plants are true to the parent plant's characteristics.
