Echinacea Pow Wow Wild Berry - Purple beak Rudbeckia seeds

The Echinacea purpurea Pow Wow Wild Berry is a magnificent highly floriferous magenta daisy, recently obtained and awarded the All-America Selections (AAS) in 2010. Thanks to its low and numerous branching, it reveals an exceptional density of flowering.

The Echinacea purpurea or Purple Coneflower is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to North America. It can be found in the dry prairies of the Eastern United States or in sparsely wooded areas. Its natural habitat includes heathlands as well as cultivated lands. This large asteraceae is characterized by large pale pink to violet heads sometimes white carried by tall, very rigid, dark green to purple stems that branch at their ends. Typically, it measures between 60 cm (23.6 in) and 1.20 m (3.3 ft). When the flower is immature, the ligules of the collar spread horizontally and then adopt a widely involute position (bent downwards or towards the stem). The flower colors fade over time. The central florets form a conical dome covered with rough, amber-colored tubes pointed with reddish-brown becoming more prominent and darker as the flower blooms. This uniqueness earned it the name Echinacea, which comes from the Greek word 'Ekhinos', meaning hedgehog. The dark green leaves are lanceolate, pubescent, and become sessile at the top of the stem.

The 'Pow Wow Wild Berry' variety stands out from the typical variety with its short and branched inflorescences, allowing for an even denser flowering from July to September. With a diameter of 8 cm (3.1 in), the size of the flowers in our variety is truly exceptional. The outer florets are very vibrant magenta and do not fade over time. As a low variety, the stems will not exceed 60 cm (23.6 in).

Of course, it prefers rich, sandy, well-drained soils but is not affected by soil pH. It loves the sun and light shade. It is hardy and can withstand long periods of drought. Echinacea naturalizes very easily. You can use it with other perennials in a meadow where it will spontaneously thrive. Pair it with Echinacea Coconut Lime, phlox, garlics, or tall eupatoriums.

Very nectariferous and honey-producing, its scent attracts butterflies; by placing purple cloths near orchards, you will undoubtedly contribute to the pollination of your fruit trees. Whether in the border of a flowerbed within meadows or in rock gardens, this beautiful daisy will naturally make itself at home. Trimming faded flowers stimulates new blooms. However, you can leave some stems and heads in winter: they are very graphic but above all, the seeds are highly sought after by birds, especially bullfinches and goldfinches. The flowers make a sensation in bouquets within floral compositions.

The different species of Echinacea, especially purpurea, pallida, and angustifolia, are panaceas in Native American pharmacopoeia. They are reputed to be immune-stimulating and promote the healing of winter diseases (cold, flu, respiratory infections). All cultivars have retained the properties of their original species.