Anyone growing the newer varieties of echinaceas? I grow tiki torch, marmalade, hot Papya, sunrise, sundown, summer sun, and others. I have learned how to grow them after a couple of years of frustration where they all wilted when about to flower. They need to develop good root system first, to have their first flowers removed and then they are superb . What varieties do others grow?
I have tried to grow Echinaceas over the years, Verdun, with mixed success as I grow on enriched sand soil in which they don't last more than a year. However, I do plan on sowing and growing some more next year. Would you recommend the varieties you mentioned.
Sangria is fantastic pink. 3' high, erect and very long flowering. Very attractive. Black adder is dark blue with black buds and wonderful to see. Bit taller at 4'. My soil is sandy Loam. Based in mild Cornwall. I plan to bring them into greenhouse to overwinter but think they would be ok outside. Hi armandii, nice to chat
Hi Verdun, if I haven't said it before, Welcome to Gardeners Corner. I have a fairly densely planted garden with many varieties of plants and I'm always trying to grow things that aren't really a success in my soil. I do have a liking for Echinaceas and try sowing some every year. I wonder why it is that the plants that are supposedly easy and you really like become difficult in your garden I will give the ones you mention a mulling over and perhaps try them.
Hi armandii. Thanks. It's the new hybrid varieties that are more difficult. Growing the older ones are easier I think. Yes, the plants you,really,like are the most elusive.
I find them very appealing and have grown the older varieties from seed easily enough but then they die before a decent clump is made. I think they need plenty of open sunlight which they don't get in my overcrowded garden. I've seen them looking superb at Eden - on an open hillside, and at Ryton, as massive clumps in gravel.
Hello Verdun, welcome to GC. I like the tip about nipping off its first flowers. I wouldn't have thought of that but it makes a lot of sense.
I have E. Magnus still in flower (not sure if it is a new variety), the colour is far more intense now than in summer, may be a reaction to cooler temperaures. Mine too are growing in very sandy soil.
I've just got half a dozen Echiwhatsit Primadonnas as part of a freeby from T & M. 54 various plants for £4:95 and a £5:00 voucher back 'cos the offer had to be short. A bargain in anyone's eyes. Cheers, Tony.
Another one I just cant grow , have tried the new one I think the name was "Arts Pride" and cost me a ££ for 5 plants they just didnt do well and died the following year , I have since learnt that 1st year you dont let them flower so they build up a good root system , I know Toby the ex "Gardeners World" presenter had them on one of his shows, lots of new varieties out now Spruce
Do your E.Nagnus last more than a year, Strongy, and grow into a clump?? I'm interested obviously because I garden on sand as well.
I grew Echinaceas Dreamcoat from seed this year. They grew quite slowly to about 1 foot tall with no flowers ,but still look healthy . Do I have a chance of them coming back next year and flowering ? If they do start to flower will I need to remove the flowers ? Mid October 2012 , and I have my first gardening problem for 2013
Hiya spruce. Arts pride just gets weaker year by year. Not worthwhile. But yes, I always cut back echinaceas in their first year and let them develop large root systems for following year. It's fun n games but I think we need to understand more the plants we grow, esp the new varieties.
Armandii, this is it's first year so i'm not sure what will happen next summer. it was well rooted in a 1lt pot when I bought it in April so it should have a good root system by now.
No armandii I found it either needs to be potted on Imto 2 or 3 litre pot or planted out early in the year. The new varieties have a weakness and I think it's about the root system being big enough to carry these new flowers. I have worked this out over the past 2 years or so and this year echinaceas treated like this have been fabulous, ESP my Tiki Torch
