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.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
‘Pica Bella’ is a compact purple coneflower that typically grows in an upright clump to 24” (less frequently to 36”) tall on stems clad with toothed, tapering, narrow-ovate, dark green leaves. Daisy-like coneflowers with narrow deep pink rays and orange-bronze central cones bloom from June to early September, sometimes with sporadic later bloom. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter, and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones are often visited by goldfinches that feed on the seeds. Echinacea comes from the Greek word “echinos” meaning hedgehog in reference to the flower’s spiny center cone. The RHS Horticultural Database reports that E. purpurea ‘Pica Bella’ is a seedling of E. purpurea ‘Abenstem’.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots are occasional problems.
Uses:
Border fronts, cottage gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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