General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, 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:
‘Purity’ is a compact, vigorous, white-petaled coneflower that typically grows in a well-branched, upright clump to 18-24" tall on sturdy stems that do not need staking. Each daisy-like flower (to 4 1/2" diameter) features white rays (petals) with a large, pin cushion-like, orange central cone. Each mature plant reportedly produces 25+ flowers per year. Flowers bloom primarily from June to August, with some sporadic later bloom occurring into fall. Flowers appear atop sturdy stems clad with lanceolate, dark green leaves (4-8” long). Dead flower stems will remain erect well into winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches looking for seed. Although the parents of 'Purity' are unknown, this flower reportedly originated as a third generation seedling from a planned breeding program using Echinacea purpurea 'Fragrant Angel' for the original cross. In comparison to the similarly-sized Echinacea 'White Swan' (see R420 herein), 'Purity' produces larger flowers with ray petals more horizontal and larger center cones that are orange rather than yellow. Echinacea comes from the Greek word "echinos" meaning hedgehog in reference to the flower's spiny center cone. U. S. Plant Patent PP19,441 was issued on November 11, 2008.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetle, leaf miner, powdery mildew, gray mold and leaf spot are occasional problems.
Uses:
Borders, meadows, cottage gardens, native plant gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens. Good fresh cut or dried flower.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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