Coneflowers

'Showoff' Echinacea at Kingwood Center, Mansfield, OH

Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) have undergone great improvements over the past quarter century. Varieties are now available in many color shades and plants flower for longer periods. Recently introduced cultivars also grow alot shorter. On the negative side, some hybrid forms have been disappointing, barely surviving 1-2 years in the garden.

For overall dependability, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is my #1 favorite for dependability (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). The species is native to most of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. They bloom in July, August, and into September, their nectar-filled flowers attract  butterflies and bees, and their winter seed heads provide food for birds and other critters.

Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) is native to the Ozark region in Missouri and Arkansas. The yellow blooming E. paradoxa have been bred with E. purpurea. Flowering starts in June, and puts on a long show even as the petals fade. This species has a small geographic range due to habitat loss.

Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) are native from the central U.S. Petals tend to be long, narrow, and droopy along with washed out lavender color. Leaves and stems are particularly fuzzy. They bloom from June to July and grow in most U.S. gardens under proper care.

Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) are native the state, but their habitat has been in decline over the past half century. Only recently has it been removed from the endangered species list. This mid-summer bloomer grows 2 to 2 ½ feet tall.

Coneflowers perform best in full sun and within a low to moderate range of soil fertility. While good soil drainage and watering during prolonged dry spells are good practice. Keep in mind that most coneflowers establish deep taproots and resent constant irrigation and over-feeding. To insure winter survival, coneflowers should be planted before July 1st.

Holiday Plant Care After Purchase

Potted Cyclamen in decorative pot

Poinsettias, cyclamens, kalanchoes, holiday cacti are flowering tropical plants that bloom in the early days of winter. With a proper mix of light, water, room temperature and humidity, your plant(s) should bloom through New Year's day and a good portion of the winter. 

Start by purchasing healthy plants at a local garden shop. Most new varieties tend to bloom longer in a home environment.

Poinsettia flowers are found in the center of the colorful modified leaves (called “bracts”). Place plants near a window that receives plenty of bright daylight daily. A south, west or east facing window is ideal. Don't set your plants near a cold or drafty window or a forced air heater which may dry out the leaves and bracts.

Poinsettia

Ideal day and night time room temperatures fall between 60 to 75 °F. Within 7-10 days a newly purchased plant may drop a few lower leaves. This is natural. The plant is simply adjusting to its new growing environment.

Schedule watering for every 5-7 days according to the amount of light the plant receives. If lots of cloudy weather, water less often. The soil (potting media) should feel damp to the touch. The wait until the soil surface feels and looks dry within 5-7 days. Move the plant(s) to the kitchen sink to spritz the foliage and media with tepid (not too hot – not too cold) water. Do not leave the plant sitting in water for more than two hours.

Kalanchoe

During the holidays you may leave the decorative wrap around the pot, but puncture holes at the bottom to permit excess water to drain into a saucer or tray.

In general, your holiday plants will not need to be fertilized for 6-8 weeks from date of purchase. Any soluble garden fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™, Jacks™, Espoma™ and Daniels™ can be used. Feed plants twice monthly @ one-half rate of the package directions.