Echinacea pallida seeds - Pale purple coneflower

The pale coneflower (Echinacea pallida), recognisable by its flowers with long, thin, trailing petals in pale pink to mauve, is a particularly robust, yet elegant, wild perennial plant, ideal in naturalistic or country-style settings. Native to the North American Great Plains, this species stands out for its ability to adapt to difficult conditions and cold climates. In the garden, it attracts a variety of beneficial small wildlife such as pollinators, while requiring little maintenance.

Echinacea pallida (synonyms Brauneria pallida, Rudbeckia pallida) belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a close relative of the purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea. This species originates from the central and southern regions of the United States, where it naturally grows in meadows on sandy soils that can be dry in summer. It is a perennial plant accustomed to competition from grasses. It has an upright habit, with stiff stems reaching between 60 cm and 1 m in height (on average 80 cm). Its leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and slightly greyish-green, measuring approximately 10 to 20 cm in length. It blooms in summer, from June-July to August-September. Its daisy-like flowers with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm feature a prominent orange-brown conical centre and narrow, trailing petals in pale pink to mauve. Its growth is relatively slow, but once well established, it forms magnificent floral clumps. The pale coneflower is disease-resistant and tolerates occasional dry periods. Its above-ground, deciduous vegetation emerges in spring and dries up in autumn.

The pale coneflower is ideal for naturalistic gardens, low-maintenance perennial beds, or flowering meadows. It pairs perfectly with other sun-loving hardy plants. It can be planted alongside white yarrow (Achillea millefolium), 'Forever Gold' rudbeckias (Rudbeckia fulgida), and grasses such as Pennisetum or Panicum. These plants share the same requirements for well-drained soil and light, creating a harmonious and colourful ensemble.