SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea purpurea 'Doubledecker'

COMMON NAME: Doubledecker Purple Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 40 inches tall x 24 - 30 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Medium

USDA ZONE: 3 - 8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has average water requirements. Does well in rain gardens.

HABIT (FORM): Upright

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Unique two-tiered flowers with deep rose-pink petals. A set of shorter petals appears on top of the cone, with a skirt of longer petals emerging from the base.

PLANT ORIGIN: North America, including Tennessee. This is, however, the bloom form is very different from the naturally found variety of the flower, which may be a bit less adapted to our local insect life.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Supports local bees, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and birds (especially finches).

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Not generally considered toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. Always research further if you have concerns, as reactions can occur with anything.

USES: Borders, containers, meadows, prairies, rain gardens. Cut flowers.