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Description
Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly known as purple coneflower. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and produces stunning pink-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance with drooping petals and a prominent cone-shaped center. The plant has a strong stem that supports the flowers and the leaves are dark green and slightly hairy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
Appearance
Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle is a beautiful plant that adds color to any garden. The plant has a bushy appearance with multiple stems that grow from a central root. The stems are strong and sturdy, supporting the weight of the flowers. The leaves are dark green and slightly hairy, growing up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers are pink-purple in color, with drooping petals and a prominent cone-shaped center that is dark brown. The flowers are large, growing up to 5 inches in diameter, and bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant also produces small, oblong-shaped seeds that can be collected and planted for future growth.
Care Guide
Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the hot summer months. It is important to water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once in the spring and then again in mid-summer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, but the flowers may not be as vibrant.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 3-8.
Common Pests and Diseases
Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant:- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: These are small insects that can suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Japanese Beetles: These are small beetles that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle is native to North America and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant is well adapted to a variety of soil types and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant and has good drainage.
Q: How often should Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle be fertilized?
A: The plant only needs to be fertilized once in the spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the root ball in the fall or early spring.
Q: Is Echinacea Purpurea Southern Belle deer resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer resistant.
Related Plants
– Echinacea Purpurea- Echinacea Pallida- Echinacea Angustifolia- Echinacea Paradoxa
References
– “Echinacea purpurea ‘Southern Belle’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f688.- “Echinacea purpurea ‘Southern Belle’.” Plant Finder. Accessed May 28, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2942/southern-belle-coneflower/.- “Echinacea purpurea.” University of Florida. Accessed May 28, 2021. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/echinacea.html.
