Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan'
coneflower
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun
- Soil: most soils, except very dry or boggy
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Bold, white, daisy-like flowers with drooping petals that reveal burnished, orange-brown centres appear on stiff stems from June to September. This white coneflower is shorter than many other varieties, making it a valuable addition to the middle of a border. It is a tough plant, and, like other coneflowers, is long-flowering and will cope well with adverse weather conditions, except drought. Try it dotted through the middle of a sunny, mixed border or in bold drifts among grasses where it will extend the season of interest. It is attractive to bees and butterflies, and birds will flock to the seedheads. - Garden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring. In autumn cut back all dead flower stems to the ground. Coneflowers benefit from a spring or autumn mulch with well-rotted compost.