Pale Purple Coneflower [Echinacea pallida]

The perennial pale purple coneflower is a wild traditional medicinal plant used as a herbal medicine for wound treatment and respiratory infections due to its high content of the immune stimulant echinacin. It is drought-resistant, winter-hardy, and an excellent bee pasture for the garden. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn-winter, good for mixed culture, harvesting roots, flowers and seeds.

 Description 
The pale purple coneflower is a perennial traditional medicinal plant and the wild Echinacea species with the highest content of the immune stimulant echinacin. This robust plant is native to the arid regions of Central and North America and is found in rocky hills, prairies, open woodlands, and scree fields. Centuries ago, the Sioux Indians in America successfully used coneflower sap to treat wounds. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this hardy plant gained greater importance among many physicians for treating conditions ranging from snakebites to syphilis. Today, the species is an integral part of herbal medicine and continues to play a significant role in medicinal plant cultivation. As a traditional herbal medicinal product, the medicinal plant is firmly integrated into phytopharmaceuticals in Europe. The roots of this sun-loving plant have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and are used for the supportive treatment and prevention of recurring upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Unlike other Echinacea species, the petals are noticeably narrower, longer, and usually curved sharply downward. Unlike 'Echinacea purpurea,' the Light Purple Coneflower has a more upright growth habit. These colorful and undemanding plants can also be used as ornamental plants in perennial beds and are an excellent source of bee food.

 General information 
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -40°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 0.5-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 14-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Milfoil yarrow, Scented nettle
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is recommended from October to May. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to May or in autumn from September to October is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.

 General recommendations 
To improve seed germination, exposure to cold temperatures at 2°C for approximately 1-2 weeks is recommended. This can be achieved by artificial stratification in the refrigerator. Then, sow as usual at warmer temperatures using direct sowing in rows or broadcast sowing. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. The seeds will germinate even without stratification, but their germination capacity will be slightly reduced. Requires a nutrient-poor sandy soil.
Pale purple coneflower requires a permeable, nutrient-poor and sandy loam soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
To extend the flowering period of the coneflower, individual flowering shoots can be cut back. However, care should be taken not to interfere with the plants' ability to form larger clumps. It is also beneficial to cut back the faded parts of the plant so that the plants can invest more energy in new shoots. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds, root devision or cuttings.

 Plant care 
To ensure proper root development, water regularly during the first few weeks after planting. Once the coneflower is established, the soil surface may be somewhat dry. In spring, it's helpful to work some compost into the soil to help the plants get off to a smoother start. Fertilization is generally not necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Echinacea pallida
English names: Pale purple coneflower
German names: Hellpurpurner Sonnenhut, Igelkopf, Scheinsonnenhut, Blasser Sonnenhut
Portuguese names: Equinácea palida
Spanish names:
French names:

 Origin 
Country: Germany