Echinacea can provide an increasingly broad splash of colour

Who wouldn’t love a daisy, and why not when they bring so much joy into our gardens?

The Echinacea - or coneflower - is so-called for its russet brown central cone, and it is this distinctive feature that was also the inspiration for the botanical name, as the name Echinacea derives from the Greek word meaning hedgehog. Such a delightful way to name a plant.

Being a daisy and part of the Asteraceae family, the central cone or disc actually comprises numerous tiny flowers and, as with other daisy flowers, is a veritable buffet of nectar for our pollinators.

A native of dry North American prairie plains, it has been a long-standing garden favourite for mixed perennial borders, and cottage-style planting. There are only a few species used primarily in cultivation, in particular Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia. The former is the name gardeners are probably most familiar with; E.pallida has thinner flower petals that are reflexed and lazily droop downwards, producing a more delicate effect.

Previously, mainly pinky-purple flowered forms were predominantly available at nurseries. However, with their ability to hybridise and under the discerning eye of skilled breeders, new and interesting varieties have been introduced. With choice broadening over the last few years, colours now range from deeper reds to oranges and include white and green forms such as 'White Swan' and 'Green Envy'.

As with many other of our popular perennials, the Echinacea can be the most undemanding of border additions. It is a hardy plant with few pest or disease issues, and sturdy stems requiring no additional support. Dead-heading will encourage further flower stems and their long-lasting flowers give an extended seasonal interest with their silhouettes dancing on a frosty autumn morning as the seed heads dry beautifully into the autumn. They suit a position within a mixed perennial border or massed planting, preferably in full sun, in reasonable soil that does not become water logged in winter.

Perennial plants can be divided in the spring as the growth is beginning and as the soil warms. However, it has now been established that although classed as a perennial, sadly the Echinacea can be relatively short lived in the garden. Theories abound but often suggest these losses are out of our control and range from issues with slugs and snails to problems with hardiness or our wet winters; some research even indicates they cannot tolerate disturbance when being transplanted, or competition from other plants, although some of these reasons are conflicting. Clearly the best advice is do not be disheartened if your Echinacea fails to make it through the winter as it seems you are not alone. When choosing a site for any new plantings ensure the ground does not hold the wet in winter. We have a number of cultivars that appear to grow well on our heavy clay soil at Harlow Carr, in particular Echinacea ‘Rubinstern’ and ‘Ruby Glow’.

Even with their transient presence I cannot see their popularity waning, certainly not for me anyway.

Jobs for the Week

• Continue to weather watch as late frost spells can still cause issues, damaging new shoots.

• Deadheading spent flowers from bulbs will conserve energy into the bulb for next year’s flowers. The leaves are needed for this process too, so it is essential to leave them to die back naturally.

• Plan ahead for bedding displays: buying plug plants now and potting them on is a cheaper way to create vibrant displays. The plants will need protection until the risk of frost has passed.

DIARY DATES

30 April - 6 May: National Gardening Week – Share your ‘Passion for Plants’

Gardeners are being encouraged to share their passion for plants and gardening during this year’s National Gardening Week. There will be a host of activities including a chance to create your own ‘Passion for Plant Pot’ as well as tips from expert gardeners, together with a one-off performance of Old Herbaceous, described by The Guardian as ‘Downton Abbey with gardening tips’. Normal garden admission applies.

1 – 30 May: Bath House Gallery – Ceramics & Glass Showcase

Raku, slab and thrown pottery work is on show throughout May with a wide range of glass items. Practical and decorative work will make this a must-see event. Normal garden admission.

Tuesdays in May, 11am: Harlow Carr Garden Tours

Find out more about the most northerly RHS garden on a tour with the Friends of RHS Harlow Carr every Tuesday. A donation of £2 is suggested.

3 May: Outdoor Theatre – Old Herbaceous

Described by The Guardian as ‘Downton Abbey with gardening tips’, this charming and humorous one-man play is the story of a single-minded yet gentle man and his passion for plants, set against the backdrop of the early 20th Century class system. Renowned actor Giles Shenton plays the part of the legendry Head Gardener, Herbert Pinnegar, inviting you to feel included in a private chat from a bygone, comforting age. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm performance. Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £8 for children and £40 for a family of four and can be booked from Harrogate Theatre Box Office on 01423 502116 or visit www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

As the UK’s leading gardening charity, the proceeds taken from events and tickets sales at all RHS gardens help to fund the many activities undertaken by the RHS to promote horticulture and help gardeners. For further information on all the above events please call 01423 565418.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane (off the B6162 Otley Road), Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB (if using Sat Nav use postcode HG3 1UE). Gardens open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 9.30am until 6pm (or 4pm Nov-Feb inclusive). Last entry 1 hour before closing. RHS Members (+ 1 Family guest) Free; Prices (excluding Gift Aid): Adult: £11.50; Child 5-16: £5.750, Under 5s: Free; Family: £29. Groups (10+): £9.50 Gardens: 01423 565418. Shop and Plant Centre: 01423 724666. Bettys Café Tea Rooms 01423 505604.

RHS Membership

Join the RHS at Harlow Carr and you’ll receive many exclusive benefits including: a monthly copy of ‘The Garden’ magazine; free entry (with a family guest) to RHS Gardens: Harlow Carr, Wisley, Rosemoor and Hyde Hall; free access to over 130 RHS recommended gardens throughout the UK at selected periods; free gardening advice; privileged tickets to world famous flower shows and much more. Call for more information.