Echinacea pallida - Pale Purple Coneflower

Echinacea pallida is a very beautiful wild species with pale pink flowers, topped with a centre of orange-brown stamens, which has a stunning effect in a wild garden.

A close relative of the Rudbeckia, Echinacea, also known as the coneflower, is native to the United States. It is a perennial and very hardy, growing in meadows and therefore tolerating sun, competition from other plants, and relatively dry conditions.

In early summer, Echinacea pallida produces flowers which are delicate pale pink, topped with a centre of orange-brown stamens. Carried on sturdy stems 80cm (32in) tall, the flowers bloom continuously from July to early September. The abundant foliage, dark green in colour, is deciduous.

Easy to grow and highly cold-resistant, Echinacea pallida thrives in sunny, well-draining, calcareous, and rocky soils.