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Health & Fitness

Spotlight On: Coneflowers

Our Spotlight Series continues to highlight different plants that are a great addition to any garden. Some you may know and others may be completely new to you.

Echinacea

Common Names:  Coneflower

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Zones: 3-8

Plant Type: Perennial

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Sun:  Full Sun

Water:  Medium

Bloom Time:  April - May

Height:  2-4 feet

Wildlife:  Attracts butterflies & birds. Deer Resistant

Coneflowers come in a wide variety of colors and heights, all attracting beautiful wildlife to your yard.  One of the most popular varieties of echinacea is the purple coneflower which is a native to our area and very easy to grow.

Coneflowers have a daisy-like flower with the flower petals dropping down around a dome-shaped center. They need a good amount of sun to thrive, and moderate water.  Another reason they’re a great choice for your yard is that they are very pest and disease resistant.  While they attract butterflies during their blooming period, you can leave them standing during the fall and winter to attract birds to your garden.  They enjoy the seeds heads that form at the center of each flower.

Coneflowers also make great cut flowers.  The traditional purple is a beautiful color, but combining it with newer varieties like the papaya and lime can really create a beautiful bouquet for your kitchen table.

Happy Planting!

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