New Coneflower Varieties Brighten Spring Gardening

For those of you who are aficionados of native American wildflowers, you may want to consider an old favorite which has become even more popular because of new varieties recently developed.

The Echinacea or Coneflower in its purple or white guise is well-adapted to semi-drought conditions due to its long taproot but can handle moist soil as well. It prefers a sandy loam, and will tolerate being moved, although care must be taken to avoid too much upset of the root system. The Coneflower loves full sun, and spring planting of the Coneflower seeds will result in beautiful blooms of purple or white in the fall season.

This is a plant which is not content to hover close to the ground. It proudly waves its spiny central cone at a 3 to 5 foot height. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek “echinos” which means hedgehog.

Exciting new colors are available in spring 2007. In addition to the traditional purple or white flowers, creamy gold, eye-popping mango and pale orange are high on the avid gardener’s shopping list. Flowers with names like Sunset, Sunrise, Twilight, Harvest Moon and Sundown are just a few of the new colors. Echinacea flowers are sweetly fragrant to add enjoyment through another sense beside visual to your garden beds.

Another exciting Coneflower to consider for traffic-stopping impact in your garden is the Doubledecker. This little bloom reminds one of a flamenco dancer. The upper bloom in brilliant fuschia shading to pink sits atop the ‘waist’ of the cone with the skirt formed of the traditional down curling petals in the same shades.

Now is the time to search out these lovely specimens at Always Green Nursery. Our friendly staff is always willing and able to help you choose the best plants for your location.

Jonathan Coffman is the owner of Always Green Nursery located in Columbia, MO. They are a premium grower of perennial plants to retail and wholesale customers across the country. You can buy plants, seeds, gardening supplies and more from http://www.alwaysgreenursery.com/buy-perennials