Selecting coneflower varieties is a tricky decision – but a beautiful one. This prairie queen of flowers is a dynamic choice for helping a backyard transition from summer into fall, and new breeds are extending the range in colors, shapes and planting potential. While classic types of cornflower are a clear fit for naturalistic landscaping and wildlife plots, others are right at home in cottage gardens, drought-tolerant flower bed ideas, container-based borders, modern gravel designs and wellness gardens.
Echinaceas are members of the daisy family Asteraceae and share the typical flower form on upright stems. The defining characteristic is of petals backswept from a central cone. But in the last few decades, plant breeders have had fun crossing plants from key species, extending the list of echinacea varieties. You can now choose from double-petalled styles, enhanced cones and unusual hues including lime green, brilliant white and burnt orange. The classic coneflower has evolved into myriad variations.
