This late-flowering perennial, closely related to Rudbeckia, is thriving in the heat in my garden, providing a welcome splash of pinky purple with its daisy-like flowers whose cone-like middle is most prominent.
Echinaceas are easy to grow in well drained soil in full sun but they do need feeding in summer and make sure you add some organic matter to the soil before planting. Good varieties include E. purpurea, which can grow to around 4ft, and `White Lustre', survive well over the winter and enjoy a long flowering period.
Good plant partners include other butterfly magnets such as globe thistle and monarda. those with rich colours can be planted near blue salvias and fuchsias.
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