Coneflowers, or echinacea as they're also known, are a familiar sight with their large, plum purple and dusky pink daisy-like flowers blooming from July to October. They are the stars of the show in any prairie-style planting scheme and wild flower meadows, especially as they're natives of North America. Their natural glamour and nectar-rich flowers are a welcome addition to herbaceous borders.
The petals burst open in spectacular stars then droop downwards into a shuttlecock shape as summer stretches on. These vivid flowers will see you right through the summer season and up to the first touch of frost. Even then the sculptural seed heads will add pleasing shapes to your flowerbed ideas. No wonder they are among the best perennials out there.
