General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. This is an adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Plants usually rebloom without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers improves general appearance. This patented plant does not produce viable seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
‘Little Giant’ is a dwarf purple coneflower that grows to only 16” tall, but still produces large flowers. It was discovered as a whole plant mutation in a planting of Echinacea purpurea ‘Ruby Giant’ (see B336 herein), and is primarily distinguished from ‘Ruby Giant’ by having much shorter plant height, longer and narrower leaves and deeper red-purple flowers. Each daisy-like coneflower (to 5” diameter) has red-purple rays, large, pin cushion-like, dark orange central cones and an interesting fragrance. Flowers bloom from June to August with some sporadic later bloom. Lanceolate, dark green leaves (3-6” long). The dead flower stems will remain erect well into winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches looking for seed. Echinacea comes from the Greek word “echinos” meaning hedgehog in reference to the flower’s spiny center cone. U. S. Plant Patent PP16,183 was issued January 3, 2006.
Problems:
No known serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle, powdery mildew and leaf spot may occur. Leaf miners and vine weevils are occasional problems.
Uses:
Border fronts or beds. Part shade areas of open woodland gardens. Containers.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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