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. Flowers do not come true from seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
‘The King’ is a purple coneflower cultivar that was presumably named for its large size (to 5’ tall) and its large flowers (to 6” diameter). It typically grows 4-5’ tall. It features daisy-like coneflowers (to 5-6” diameter) with rose red rays and dark maroon to brown central cones. Flowers bloom from June to August with some sporadic later bloom. Lanceolate, dark green leaves (4-8” 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.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle, powdery mildew and leaf spot are occasional problems.
Uses:
Borders. Cottage gardens. Part shade areas of open woodland gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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