Echinacea pallida Hula Dancer - Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea pallida 'Hula Dancer' is an essential plant if you want to add a touch of romance. Indeed, its long slender white petals which are tinged with pink seem to float in the wind. They are curved downwards, like a dancer's skirt, and bring a lot of lightness to the garden. They highlight a centre to the flower that swells as it blooms, changing from green to pink and welcoming autumn with purple hues. These large flowers bloom from July to September, much to the delight of pollinating insects. They are then replaced by birds who enjoy their seeds.

Originally from North America, where it has already naturally colonised many states, Echinacea has been with us for many years. Originally, it settles spontaneously in wild spaces: vast meadows, forest edges, roadsides... As a result, it is content with any type of soil, any type of climate, and displays a robustness and hardiness that gardeners appreciate. However, it prefers deep, well-drained soils and is resistant to drought. Note that it may take its time to establish itself, but then it shows resistance and longevity. It thrives in the sun, but also in light shade. It requires almost no care, except for the traditional removal of faded flowers.

It is a herbaceous perennial, belonging to the Asteraceae family, with an upright and bushy habit. The leaves are deciduous, rather dark green, and quite thick. They are lanceolate, longer and more numerous at the base, but alternate and sparse along the stems. The stems are long, 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39in) tall, sturdy, and bear large flower heads at their tops, which can reach 8 cm (3in) for 'Hula Dancer'. Their shape is very distinctive and perfect for wild-looking borders. They consist of a large, flattened centre at the beginning of flowering and a conical shape at the end, surrounded by a row of very fine florets, long and fringed at their tips. Trailing and curved, they resemble a Hawaiian skirt and bring joy to the garden. Feel free to pick them, they will brighten up summer bouquets.

Full of charm, 'Hula Dancer' can be planted at the back of borders in small gardens. It welcomes the perennial Geranium 'Dreamland', Hakanechloa macra 'Naomi', and many Heucheras in shades of pink at its feet. For a cloudy and voluminous effect in larger spaces, it can be interplanted among grasses and our giant wildflowers.