Echinacea: The Eye and the Remedy of the Garden

Some plants in the garden satisfy both the eye and the soul. Echinacea falls exactly into this category. With its orange cone center, spreading pink petals and flowers where bees land for hours, it creates one of the most vibrant corners of the garden.

We have more than one color in our garden. Classic pink, but also white, purple and yellow varieties. The day they all bloom at once is truly an impressive scene.

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and other species) is a perennial plant native to North America, from the Asteraceae daisy family. Its name comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog, because of that spiny cone center.

North American indigenous peoples used echinacea medicinally for hundreds of years. Colds, flu, infections, wound healing. Today it remains among the world best-selling herbal products for immune system support.

Medicinal Properties

Echinacoside, alkylamides and polysaccharides in echinacea stimulate the immune system. Its use in upper respiratory tract infections is scientifically supported. It has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold.

How to use it: flowers and leaves dried for tea; root used for stronger effect; fresh flowers can be added to salads. We collect from our garden and dry them for winter.

Value in a Permaculture Garden

Echinacea is nearly ideal for a permaculture garden. Perennial so no replanting each year, it emerges from the root. Self-seeds and spreads over time. Long bloom period from July to September as rich nectar source for bees and butterflies. Dried flower heads provide winter seed source for birds. Drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Color Options

One of the most loved aspects of echinacea is its color variety. Classic pink-purple Echinacea purpurea is most common. White variety Alba is elegant and understated. Yellow Echinacea paradoxa is rarer and more interesting. Orange and red hybrids are becoming increasingly common.

Adding more than one color to your garden creates a much more striking picture. We try to add one more color each year.

How to Grow It

Full sun or partial shade both work but full sun produces more flowers. Drought tolerant, does not want overwatering. Well-draining soil is essential, intolerant of waterlogging. You can leave flower heads uncut in autumn as birds love the seeds. Clean up old stems in spring when new shoots emerge.

Once echinacea enters your garden it does not want to leave. It spreads a little more each year and gets a little more beautiful. Invest in both your eyes and your health.