General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. 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. Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place, but flowers may not come absolutely true from seed (e.g., petals of seeded flowers may not be as white as they should be).

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This purple coneflower cultivar is a compact, white-flowered version of the familiar purple-flowered native Echinacea purpurea. Very similar to E. purpurea 'White Swan' (R420), except much shorter (a cygnet being a young swan). Grows only to 20" tall on rigid stems. Features daisy-like coneflowers with horizontal-to-slightly-drooping white rays and large, pin cushion-like, coppery-orange central cones. Coarsely-toothed, dark green leaves (3-6" long). Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches who perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds. 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.

Uses:

Border fronts, rock gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens.

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