Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'
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PURPLE CONEFLOWER
Family: Asteraceae
Pronounced: ek-in-AY-see-ah pur-PEWR-ree-ah
GROWING GUIDE
Geographical Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A2, A3; 1-24.
USDA zones: 3-9.
Mature size:
Height: 2-3 feet (60-90cm).
Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period:
Midsummer to early autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Rosy-purple flower rays surrounded by an orange disk. The petals stay more horizontal than other Purple coneflowers.
Leaf attributes:
Hairy, ovate, basal 6-inch leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost or manure. Fertilize in spring with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed at 68°F (20°C) in spring. | Divide in autumn or spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos that refers to the prickly receptacle scales and purpurea means purple flower.
Starting these from seed, I was a bit skeptical that I would get an Echinacea that was as good as its description. I was wrong; the plants I have are outstanding, although I hear from other people's experience that the plants can vary from seed. I purchased my seed from Thompson and Morgan.
The Royal Horticultural Society in England trialed seed supplied by Jelitto Seeds. E. 'Magnus' was given an Award of Garden Merit based on flower shape, uniformity of shape, color, vigor and appearance of the plant overall. The breeder, Magnus Nilsson of Sweden was 97 years old when the plant took the award in 2003. In 1998, it was named Flower of the Year in both the USA and Sweden.
The rosy colored petals stand horizontal, not reflexed, as is typical for the species. Although I do not mind the reflexed petals of the echinaceas it is nice to see this cultivar without.
This echinacea, E. 'Magnus', is good as a cut flower, mainly because its petals are not reflexed, which can spoil the look of the flower for the vase. For fresh flowers, it is best to harvest when petals are expanding. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase when a preservative is used. When harvesting only for the orange disk, allow the petals to mature before harvesting so the petals will be easy to remove. For drying purposes, remove petals and hang to dry.
More Echinaceas.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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