The Pow Wow Wildberry Echinacea is a magenta flower that is a mainstay in gardens around the world.
It is an award-winning plant, having been named the winner in the 2010 All-America selection. Read on to learn about the reasons behind its popularity!
An Introduction To This Cheerful Perennial
If you want to plant these showy blossoms, it is best to know a bit of background, including their name and what they look like.
The Name
The scientific name of the Powwow Wild Berry is part of the genus Echinacea. Its scientific name is Echinacea Purpurea. Its unique code is pas702917.
The word Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning “hedgehog,” referring to the flower’s spiky central cone.
It is also commonly called the purple coneflower.
A Description
This perennial is known for its stunning deep purple-pink color. It is short, growing only up to 1-2 feet long, and 3-4 inches wide on stiff, well-branched stems that don’t need staking. More branches mean more flowers per plant.
The plant can be easily grown from seeds, with flowers appearing in around 20 weeks and blooming all day long in the first year, with a bloom time from late summer until late spring, sometimes even in the early frost.
How to Grow and Care for Your Echinacea
This sturdy wildflower is quite easy to grow. There are just some basic needs that need to be met, such as those listed below.
Sun
Although it can tolerate light shade and colder climates, this wild berry plant thrives best in full sun, so choose a location where it can soak up plenty of daylight. It’s well-suited to withstand both hot temperatures and humidity.
Soil
Unlike other flowers that require rich soil, Echinacea will grow in your garden’s natural soil, which means less work for you. It can grow in dry to medium, well-drained soils.
Water
One of the best things about this rose-purple flower is that it is drought tolerant. It doesn’t need a lot of moisture. Just make sure to give it a drink during really dry spells.
Fungicide
When caring for these coneflowers, it is important to consider their mature stage. At this point, the flowers are more susceptible to fungal infections due to their crown development.
In order to protect the flowers from diseases, it may be necessary to apply a fungicide treatment.
Trimming
Once your coneflower’s petals have faded and the bloom is over, it’s time for a trim. Snipping off the spent flowers helps more blooms to come in and keeps your garden looking fresh.
This plant can also re-bloom without deadheading. It freely seeds on it’s own if at least some of the seed heads are left in place.
Dividing
Every three to four years in spring or fall, you can gently divide your Echinacea Purpurea plant. Carefully cut and dig it out via its roots. Plant it at another spot in your garden. This reduces clumping. Just make sure to keep the roots moist while transplanting.
Pests
One common pest that affects Echinacea Purpurea is the aphid. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers.
Another pest to watch out for is the caterpillar, which can munch through the foliage of the plant. In order to protect your coneflowers from these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and take appropriate measures.
Wildlife
These flowers are a magnet for beneficial wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds, adding life and motion to your garden. They are also deer resistant.
After autumn, leave some flowers on the stems outside. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter, and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones may be visited by goldfinches or other birds that feed on the seeds.
How To Showcase Echinea Purpurea
One way to showcase these coneflowers in a garden is by planting them on a border along a walkway or around a patio area. Another option is to plant them in a container on a deck or balcony, allowing you to enjoy their beauty even in a smaller space.
To showcase them even further, consider displaying cut or dried flowers in a vase indoors. Cut flowers can also be used in bouquet selections.
These compact plants are perfect for adding height to a garden bed without taking up too much space. Their floriferous nature means they will produce plenty of blooms throughout the summer.
Companions
This plant can be planted with Hibiscus and roses to create a beautiful selection. Here are a few other companions it can be planted with.
| Shorter Companions | Taller Companions |
| Catmint (Nepeta) | Perovskia |
| Geraniums | Phlox |
| Dwarf Goldenrod (Solidago) | Sedum |
| Monarda | Veronica |
| Salvia | Monarda |
Conclusion
This plant can be an incredible addition to your garden, with it being so easy to care for. It has very basic sunlight, soil and water needs. It can grow in the full sun, tolerating drought as well as colder climates.
It can be used as a border plant, in containers, or in a selection with other flowers. It can also be used to attract wildlife, like birds or butterflies. So why not add it to your garden collection?