Echinacea purpurea White LustrePurple coneflower (white cv.)
Family:Asteraceae
common name:Purple coneflower (white cv.)
introduce:Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June - August
Bloom Color: White rays and coppery-orange center cone
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium moisture
Maintenance: Low
General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, 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. True form requires vegetative propagation.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This purple coneflower cultivar is a compact, white-flowered version of the familiar native species plant. Grows only to 30" tall on rigid stems. Features daisy-like coneflowers with 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 flowers spiny center cone. White Lustre is an old cultivar first introduced by Carroll Gardens, Westminster, Maryland over 50 years ago.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Borders, cottage gardens, part shade areas of open woodland gardens.
