Contents
Description
Echinacea Atrorubens, also known as the Topeka Purple Coneflower, is a perennial plant native to the central United States. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has dark purple or reddish-purple petals that surround a brownish-orange cone-shaped center. The petals are reflexed, which means they droop downward, and the leaves are lance-shaped and somewhat hairy. This plant blooms from June to August and attracts butterflies and bees to its nectar-rich flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
Appearance
Echinacea Atrorubens has dark purple or reddish-purple petals that surround a brownish-orange cone-shaped center. The petals are reflexed, which means they droop downward, and the leaves are lance-shaped and somewhat hairy. This plant grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Echinacea Atrorubens prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinacea Atrorubens is susceptible to aster yellows, a bacterial disease that causes stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. This plant may also attract aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Echinacea Atrorubens is native to the central United States and can be found in prairies, meadows, and open woods.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Echinacea Atrorubens a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Echinacea Atrorubens is believed to have immune-boosting properties and is commonly used in herbal remedies.
Q: Can Echinacea Atrorubens be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Echinacea Atrorubens can be grown in a container as long as it receives adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should Echinacea Atrorubens be fertilized?
A: Echinacea Atrorubens should be fertilized once in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall does Echinacea Atrorubens grow?
A: Echinacea Atrorubens can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Echinacea Purpurea
- Echinacea Pallida
- Echinacea Paradoxa
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Echinacea Atrorubens, Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278133&isprofile=0&pt=2
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Echinacea Atrorubens, University of Wisconsin-Madison, https://www.wisc.edu/
- North Carolina State University, Echinacea Atrorubens, North Carolina State University, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/echinacea-atrorubens/
