Echinacea plants
Echinacea plants are the ultimate prairie perennial, producing masses of daisy-like flowers in rich hues of oranges, pinks, reds and whites from July to mid-autumn. They make a fabulous addition to the landscape with their brightly-coloured blossoms and long flowering season, traditionally popular in the cottage garden but now a favourite in contemporary schemes and increasingly in vogue following the resurgence of prairie-style designs recently. Commonly known as Coneflowers, these central and eastern America natives are well-loved by bees, butterflies and birds who are drawn to their high levels of pollen and seed heads later in the season. They prefer a south or west-facing spot in a rich, well-drained soil.