Echinacea SUNSEEKERS POMEGRANATE coneflower
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Echinacea
The genus Echinacea, the coneflower, comprises nine recognised species of perennial plants native to the prairies and open habitats of North America, where their ancestors have evolved over millions of years. Fossilised pollen of related members of the daisy family has been found in deposits tens of millions of years old, showing that the lineage from which coneflowers arose was present on the continent long before humans arrived. The name of the genus comes from the Greek echinos – hedgehog – and refers to the prickly cone at the centre of the flower head, a feature shared by all species. The genus was formally described by the German botanist Konrad Mönch (1744–1805) on the basis of herbarium material brought to Europe by missionaries and naturalists returning from American expeditions in the late eighteenth century. Even then, botanists noticed that the species differed not only in flower colour but also in the shape of the ray florets, height and ecological preferences, which later led to taxonomic debates about the boundaries between E. pallida, E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. The genus became known not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its traditional use by Indigenous peoples of North America, who applied coneflower preparations for pain, inflammation, snakebite and even rabies. It reached Europe at the turn of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, though for a long time it remained more of a botanical curiosity than a garden favourite.
Echinacea purpurea, the purple coneflower, is the most widespread species of the genus, originating from the moister prairies and bright woodland edges from Oklahoma to Tennessee, where it grows in deeper, nutrient‑rich soils. Although its formal description dates back to the Linnaean era, real interest in the species rose only when it became part of the traditional medicine of North American tribes, especially the Sioux and Comanche, who used it as a versatile remedy. It entered European gardens as an exotic perennial with an unusual flower form, but its modern fame began in the 1990s, when botanists in Chicago started crossing E. purpurea with the bright yellow E. paradoxa. In 1995 the first orange cultivar, Art’s Pride, was created, launching an era of hybrid coneflowers in shades ranging from apricot to raspberry. These hybrids spread quickly thanks to their robustness, long flowering period and ability to bring colours to gardens that had never before been seen in coneflowers. From a once medicinal prairie plant, it has become one of the most important perennials in contemporary garden design, combining cultural history, botanical interest and modern breeding enthusiasm.
Flowers with fruit-like variety names sound very tasty and make you want them just because they recall a taste of fruit you like. Exactly as in case of this hybrid coneflower from the SUNSEEKERS series from 2022. Its name is SUNSEEKERS POMEGRANATE and bears 7-8 cm wide, single, fragrant flowers which open soft coral pink with pale orange hues and gain fuchsia to garnet red tones of a ripe pomegranate as they mature.
The discs are rather flat (not cone-shaped), dark orange and brown, and hide plenty of nectar for butterflies, bumble bees as well as bees. Flowering begins from midsummer and lasts until the last sunny and warm days of autumn. Longevity of individual flowers is 2-3 weeks. Plants are compact and well-branches. Stems are usually 40-50 cm tall. Deadhead spent flowers regularly and feed the plants every two weeks during summer. Leaves are healthy, deep green, and broadly lanceolate.PFAF.
The SunSeekers series of Echinacea offers a wide palette of this remarkable perennial, with all varieties boasting vigorous health, dense growth, and abundant flowering in saturated colors that don’t fade. The first part of the series, identified by patent designations beginning with "Apecss-", features cultivars with simple flowers in rich, dark shades. In contrast, the newer group — with names starting "Ifecss-" — represents a completely fresh direction, with varieties whose magnificent, often semi-double or exceptionally large flowers look strikingly unique: more like gerberas crossed with dahlias than traditional echinaceas.
These plants are bred by Innoflora B.V. of the Netherlands. Their journey to fame began in 2018, when the first cultivar, SUNSEEKERS SALMON, won the prestigious gold medal from KVBC at the Dutch novelty fair Plantarium and took the coneflower world by storm. The credit goes to breeder Jelle van den Haak, who created six standout cultivars in the series. Yet, cultivars appearing after 2020 carry a distinct handwriting and signature – that of Glenn Spil, another accomplished breeder. These newer varieties also have inventive, flavourful names that sound so tasty (yet inedible), such as Pumpkin Pie, Mineola, Watermelon, or simply Citrus 😊. Imaginative, right? All of these cultivars bear the label Plants for Pollinators invented by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), thanks to their rich nectar that supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant is usually trouble-free and resistant, just be careful if slugs are present in your garden. Since coneflowers emerge quite late, often when slugs are already in their lethal strength, they could gobble up newly emerging foliage totally and thus destroy the plant before it even comes out.
Last update 15-09-2023
Coneflowers are undemanding perennials that thrive in full sun and in well‑drained, fertile soil that does not remain waterlogged. They dislike acidic ground, while neutral to slightly alkaline soils suit them well. Removing spent flowers can extend the flowering period, though it is not essential, as most modern hybrids bloom reliably even without deadheading. Feeding should be moderate – a liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks during the growing season is sufficient. Because they originate from the North American prairies, where summer rainfall is more frequent than in the long dry spells typical of temperate Europe, hybrid cultivars appreciate additional watering during extended drought; otherwise they may reduce flower production. Their stems are sturdy and withstand wind and heavy summer storms. In spring, young shoots must be protected from slugs, which can damage new growth; barriers, mechanical protection and classic beer traps all work well. Coneflowers are long‑lived, overwinter successfully and require no winter cover. Most cultivars tolerate frost down to at least –29 °C (USDA zone 5).
