Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea White Swan

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any soil type except boggy
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Bold, white, daisy-like flowers with drooping petals that reveal burnished, orange-brown centres appear of stiff stems from June to September. This white coneflower is shorter than many other varieties, making it a valuable addition to the middle of a border. It is a tough plant, and, like other coneflowers, is long-flowering and will cope well with adverse weather conditions, except drought. Try it dotted through the middle of a sunny, mixed border or in bold drifts among grasses where it will extend the season of interest. It is attractive to bees and butterflies, and birds will flock to the seedheads.

• Garden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring. In autumn cut back all dead flower stems to the ground. Coneflowers benefit from a spring or autumn mulch with well-rotted compost.