Echinacea Trial 2019-2022

Eye-catcher Coral CrazeOver the last decade, Echinacea (coneflower) species and hybrids have become extremely popular ornamental perennials. Thanks to extensive breeding work, the quantity and diversity of commercially available cultivated varieties or "cultivars" has exploded.  Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming number on the market--many with cute and catchy trademarked names--selecting the best-performing cultivar for a particular area can be confusing. This 3-year evaluation project (2019-2022) is assessing the important horticultural attributes of over 100 cultivars, including winter survival, disease resistance, flower quality, growth habitat and pollinator visitation.  The  results will serve as a guide to selecting the finest coneflower cultivars for gardens and cultivated landscapes  in northern Ohio.