Echinacea ‘Starlight’
Echinacea purpurea
Characteristics
- Type: Perennial
- Zone: 3 – 9
- Height: 24 – 36 Inches
- Spread: 18 – 24 Inches
- Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
- Bloom Description: Carmine-Rose
- Sun: Full Sun – Part Shade
- Water: Dry – Medium, Once Established
- Maintenance: Low
- Suggested Use: Naturalize
- Flower: Showy, Good Cut
- Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
- Tolerates: Drought, Frost, High Heat
Culture
Echinacea ‘Starlight’ grows easily in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. An adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Plants usually re-bloom without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers improves general appearance. Freely self-seeds if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Starlight’s 3-inch flowers have a pretty skirt of vibrant carmine rose petals held almost horizontally around burnt orange centers. These vigorous blooming plants are sensational focal points of the midsummer garden. Butterflies love to visit h flowers regularly. Good as fresh cut or dried flowers. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into winter and, if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones may be visited by goldfinches or other birds that feed on the seeds.
Problems
Disease resistant.
Garden Uses
Excellent, long-blooming flower for massing in the border, meadow, native plant garden, naturalized area, wildflower garden or part shade area of woodland garden. Echinacea is a traditional favorite in summer bouquets with daisy-like flower.