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Description
Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible, also known as Coneflower, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to the eastern United States, this plant is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and has medicinal properties. It produces large, showy, pink-purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Echinacea |
Appearance
Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible has a height and spread of around 2 to 3 feet. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and hairy. The flowers have a cone-shaped center that is surrounded by drooping petals. The petals are pink-purple and can range from 3 to 4 inches in length. The flower heads can reach up to 5 inches in diameter. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After that, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive with infrequent watering.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots can be caused by fungal infections. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can be a problem in hot, dry weather. Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Coneflower midge: The coneflower midge is a small fly that lays its eggs in the flower buds. The larvae feed on the developing petals and can cause the flowers to distort or not open. Remove affected flowers and dispose of them.
Habitat
Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible is native to the eastern United States, where it grows in prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible has medicinal properties and is commonly used to boost the immune system and treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Q: Can Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible be fertilized?
A: Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do you propagate Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible?
A: Echinacea Purpurea Irresistible can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. Replant the sections at the same depth they were growing before.
Related Plants
- Echinacea purpurea
- Echinacea pallida
- Echinacea angustifolia
- Echinacea paradoxa
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2002). Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press.
- Gilman, E. F. (1997). Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ Coneflower. University of Florida Extension.
- Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.
