Echinacea {Garden}

In a little corner of my dear garden you will find a pretty little pink Echinaea or Coneflower as it is also know. 

They are not native to my area but do grow here rather well, as they are a drought tolerant flower.  I simply cut them down to the dirt when they are finished blooming and Winter arrives.  I am surprised the next Spring when they start to grow again.  At first glance every year I think the leaves are weeds.  {I have learned to let things grow for a few weeks before I pull them out!}

I love watching the blooms change in size and shape and texture for the weeks before they bloom.  I am intrigued by the textures that this plant has and often find myself rubbing the fuzzy little things!

It begins to bloom and changes color with each stage, as the pink begins to darken.

 Finally it turns a beautiful shade of purply pink!

The stems can grow to about 14 inches with each plant having about five flowers at a time.  Mine continues to grow all Summer and into the Fall, here in the desert.  In many parts of the USA it doesn't bloom until July comes and it is warm enough.

I love the "spiky" center of this flower, with it's delicate petals that seem to fold back as to show the center off!   This is why it is also know as a Coneflower.  The Echinacea is part of the Aster family and it's roots have been used for medicinal purposes for many years.

Here is a link from the USDA to find out more about
Echinacea Plants

Pretty and PINK and useful too!  Sounds like the perfect plant!  What is the most interesting thing that I will find growing in your garden?  I can't wait to hear all about it!