Every few years I attempt to grow purple cone flowers (echinacea). I always buy them when they show up in the nurseries, around the middle of summer. Typically I make it a rule to stop planting new plants at around the beginning of June, then I really make myself stop planting new plants around the beginning of July. Then I plant coneflowers. They never come back the next year even though most annuals make it through our mild winters and summers to last more than one year. Then last week I noticed an unusual looking plant growing in one of the beds in SJC. At first I assumed it was a weed, but when I didn't get around to pulling it I noticed it started looking like... a purple coneflower! My first, second bloom! As you can see by the picture it is in dappled shade which may have allowed it to settle in during the middle of summer a bit easier. I no longer need to read other people's blogs that are filled with these charming blooms this time of year to get my coneflower fix!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A First For Me
Every few years I attempt to grow purple cone flowers (echinacea). I always buy them when they show up in the nurseries, around the middle of summer. Typically I make it a rule to stop planting new plants at around the beginning of June, then I really make myself stop planting new plants around the beginning of July. Then I plant coneflowers. They never come back the next year even though most annuals make it through our mild winters and summers to last more than one year. Then last week I noticed an unusual looking plant growing in one of the beds in SJC. At first I assumed it was a weed, but when I didn't get around to pulling it I noticed it started looking like... a purple coneflower! My first, second bloom! As you can see by the picture it is in dappled shade which may have allowed it to settle in during the middle of summer a bit easier. I no longer need to read other people's blogs that are filled with these charming blooms this time of year to get my coneflower fix!
Yea, we do need surprises in life. Plants least expected suddenly make appearance... I have these celosia, keep reseeding itself all over the place, and basil too. They stop bringing surprises in the garden.. But other plants will, I am sure...
ReplyDeleteThat's really nice flower.
Cheers,
~ bangchik
Congratulations, Sheila! It looks lovely! Maybe, I'll start planting them, too! I love those plants which come back.
ReplyDeleteI love the purple coneflower and I am drooling. I planted 2 that I ordered from Springhill Nursery and neither have bloomed. So - I will enjoy yours and baby mine somemore.
ReplyDeleteCongrats are your success with the purple coneflower.
ReplyDeleteSheila once you have this one coming back you will be totally enamoured ? (spell check on hubby's computer isn't up) but you get my point I am sure ? LOL
ReplyDeleteThey ARE ADDICTIVE .. I have loads and the scent is wonderful in the back garden .. a lot of people don't relaize how wonderful even the old cultivars smell, such as White Swan.
Congratulations girl !
Joy
I agree with Joy...coneflowers are like potato chips, and once you get into the various new colourful options...you can't have just one.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened to me. Now I have beauties. congratulations! ;)
ReplyDeleteDonna
Another pretty picture of a cone flower. Don't you love them?
ReplyDeleteI noticed that my coneflowers near my neighbors who treated their lawn died - perhaps there is an overspray issue with where you planted your flowers before.
ReplyDelete