Echinacea Evolution Colorific - Purple coneflower

Echinacea  'Evolution Colorific' Coneflower is a compact, small hybrid variety with a generous cluster of flowers in a range of pink shades from May to September. Its shimmering petals are gathered around a cone that remains a beautiful green. The flowers open in shades of orange before evolving into intense pinks and then purples. The plant forms a dense foliage clump of 30 cm (12in) in all directions. It can be planted at the front of a border, as an edging, or in a container, in full sun.

'Evolution Colorific' Coneflower belongs to the Asteraceae family. It forms a dense and stout clump reaching 30 cm (12in) high and 25 cm (10in) wide. This plant does not weaken under the sun's rays. The deciduous, lanceolate, opposite, green leaves are bristly with rough hairs. The fragrant flowering period lasts from late spring to the end of summer and is loved by butterflies. The reddish-green, branched stems are each topped by a solitary, large flower head, 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, with a prominent disc resembling a pompom of tiny green florets. The fruit is an achene that releases seeds loved by birds. This plant firmly and deeply anchors itself in the soil with its highly developed root system.

'Evolution Colorific' is easy to grow in ordinary soil. It is very floriferous and ideal for beginner gardeners as well as for enthusiasts of endless, colourful blooms. It remains prominent even during the somewhat empty transitional periods in the garden between spring and autumn. This plant adapts to difficult conditions, tolerating occasional intense heat, humidity, and drought. Plant it at the edge of a border with lavender-blue flowers for a beautiful mix of colours. Consider sages, carnations, dwarf asters, as well as dwarf daylilies. Add clumps of annuals like Nigellas and small grasses like stipas.

The scent of Echinacea varies depending on the stage of flowering. At first, when the florets are in an upright crown, the scent is barely perceptible. At full bloom, when the florets droop, it emits a delicate honey scent, attracting bees, butterflies, and other insects. Once the head is pollinated, the scent takes on a more vanilla note.

Properties: In homoeopathy, its root is used to fight colds and strengthen the immune system. These properties were first used by Native Americans. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek echinos, which means "bristly or like a hedgehog," and acea, which means "having the shape of," alluding to the flower heads.