Friday, August 22, 2014

Echinacea After Midnight - Purpurea and Paradoxa Hybrid Details for Gardeners

The Echinacea After Midnight flower is popular among horticulturalists. This hybrid is a cross of the purpurea and paradoxa varieties.

The pink flowers have the hedgehog appearance that gave rise to the plant’s name. Echino in Greek indicates that something is spiny or prickly, like a sea urchin or hedgehog.

The mature plant is 12 to 18 inches high. It needs sun and thrives in the spring and summer. Some species are cultivated specifically because the root has medicinal value.

If you don’t like watering your garden every day or have time constraints that prevent you from doing so, this may be just what you’ve been looking for. It tolerates drought well and the flowers are big and showy.
Humans aren’t the only ones who appreciate Echinacea After Midnight. It attracts wildlife with its color and scent. Seeds for this cultivar are available from suppliers who will mail packets directly to you, along with instructions for growing them.

Always plant the seedlings at least 8 inches apart. When the clumps get really large, you should divide them. This should be done to the purpurea and paradoxa hybrid every 4 years.

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