Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’: The Double White Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’, commonly known as the Coconut Lime Coneflower, is a unique and eye-catching perennial in the Asteraceae family. This family, also known as the daisy family, encompasses a wide range of flowering plants known for their composite flower heads. Echinacea, commonly called coneflowers, are native to North America, particularly the central and southeastern United States. These plants have been cultivated since the 1700s for their hardiness, showy flowers, and medicinal properties. Native Americans used various parts of the Echinacea plant to treat wounds and infections.

Description

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ is renowned for its distinctive double blooms, which differ significantly from the traditional single-flowered varieties. The plant produces a profusion of white, fully double pompon-like flowers that are especially notable for their green centers that transition to light lime green as they mature. The flowers are slightly fragrant, adding to their appeal.

The plant has a strong, upright habit and well-branched stems that typically grow to a height of 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) and spread about 24-30 inches wide. Unlike some other coneflowers, ‘Coconut Lime’ does not require staking due to its sturdy stems. The dark green leaves are sparsely serrated and narrow ovate, providing a lush backdrop to the bright blooms.

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ has a long flowering season, typically blooming from midsummer to early fall. This means you can expect to see its attractive double white flowers with lime green centers from around June or July through September. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can help encourage further blooming and prolong the flowering period.

Care Instructions for Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’:

Light: Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade. Full sun ensures the best flowering performance.

Soil: This coneflower prefers average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. It is highly adaptable and can tolerate poor soils, making it suitable for a variety of garden conditions.

Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells. However, ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Maintenance:

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage further blooms and improve the plant’s appearance.
• Division: Divide clumps when they become overcrowded, typically every four years, in either spring or fall.
• Fertilization: Generally, Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ does not require frequent fertilization. A light application of compost in the spring should suffice.

Pests and Diseases: This coneflower is generally pest-resistant, though it can occasionally be affected by Japanese beetles and leaf spots. It is susceptible to aster yellows disease, a condition transmitted by leafhoppers. Proper garden hygiene and pest management practices can help prevent these issues.

Winter Care: Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ is a hardy perennial that can withstand cold winters. In USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, plants will go dormant in winter and resprout in spring. Mulching around the base of the plant can provide extra protection during particularly harsh winters.

Propagation of Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’:

By Division:

1. Timing: Divide plants in early spring or fall.
2. Preparation: Dig up the clump and gently separate the roots.
3. Planting: Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water well.

By Root Cuttings:

1. Timing: Take root cuttings from late fall to early winter.
2. Preparation: Cut a healthy root section and plant it in a pot with well-drained soil.
3. Care: Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sheltered area until new shoots appear.

Landscape Uses

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ is a versatile addition to various garden settings:

• Beds and Borders: Its upright growth habit and striking flowers make it ideal for the middle of borders.
• Prairies and Meadows: Adds a touch of elegance to wildflower gardens and naturalized settings.
• Cut Flowers: The double blooms make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements.
• Wildlife Gardens: While the double flowers are not as beneficial for pollinators as single varieties, they still attract some bees and other insects.

Summary

Echinacea purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ is a standout coneflower variety that brings a unique charm to any garden with its double white blooms and lime green centers. Easy to grow and maintain, it thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is drought, heat, and humidity tolerant. This perennial’s resilience, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a valuable addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and prairies. With proper care and occasional division, ‘Coconut Lime’ will continue to illuminate gardens with its glowing presence for many years.