Flower Power Friday

 

This week we are featuring......
Enchinacea also known as the Coneflower
 

 (click on the image to view large or purchase)
 

The Coneflower or Echinacea are pretty easy to grow.  They are a perennial flower and prefer full sun to part sun and are drought tolerant.  These flowers stand about 2-4 feet tall.   Coneflowers bloom in summer through fall.  They come in a variety of colors such as the common purple (pictured below) as well as cream, orange, red, and pink.  The purple coneflower is used for many herbal remedies.  It's a primary ingredient used to make herbal teas for strengthen the immune system.

 

(click on the image to view large or purchase)
 

Above a "Clouded Sulphur" butterfly is enjoying the nectar of the coneflower

 

Echinacea or Coneflower are great in any garden.  Cluster them for a full punch of color or use them in a border.  They are also great in cut flower arrangements too.

 



Interesting Facts.....

~Did you know that the only major pest the purple coneflower has in the Japanese beetle.  These beetles will devour the flower  

~The Purple coneflower is deer resistant

~Songbirds love the seeds from the dried flower heads

~Butterflies are very attracted to these beautiful flowers

~The Echinacea is related to the Black-eyed Susan

 

Quote of the week.........

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

~John Quincy Adams

On a side note......

It has come to my attention that Google Reader will no longer be in effect as of July 1, 2013.  So I have added Bloglovin for all my future follower to follow me on.  You can also follow me on Networked Blogs too.

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 

Have an Awesome Weekend!