The Essential Guide To The Cone Flower
Botanical Name: Echinacea spp.
Common Name: Cone Flower, Echinacea
General Knowledge: The Coneflower, or Echinacea as it's widely known, is originally from North America, thriving in the prairies and open woodlands. In Australia, the coneflower is celebrated in gardens for its hardy nature and vibrant flowers, and it is also widely used in herbal remedies for boosting the immune system due to its medicinal properties. A fun fact about the coneflower is that the name 'Echinacea' comes from the Greek word 'echinos', meaning hedgehog, which refers to the spiny central cone of the flower that gives it a distinctive, textured appearance.
Colour Range: Cone Flowers display a palette that includes pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white.
Australian Seasonal Availability: These flowers are available from winter to summer, depending on the species and cultivar.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Their long availability period makes them a versatile choice for wedding and event floristry across most of the year in Australia.
Commercially Grown in Australia: While some species are wild-harvested, new cultivars are increasingly available from plant nurseries, suggesting some commercial cultivation.
Imported into Australia: It is not typically imported due to its availability within the country.
Buying Tips: Choose flowers where the florets at the base of the flower head are beginning to extend, and the whorl at the base of the cone is starting to open. Inspect for any signs of webbing or damage on leaves and stems.
Flower Maturity: Select flowers with the florets starting to extend to ensure they will display well when arranged.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, cone flowers can last between 10 to 14 days in a vase.
Typical Stem Length: The flowers have long stems that typically measure between 50 to 60 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch can vary.
Which Floral Preservatives to Use: Use of a floral preservative is recommended to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: The sensitivity to ethylene is not well documented, so caution should be exercised.
Temperature Requirements: Cone flowers should be stored at cool temperatures between 2 and 4 °C.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Ensure the flowers are always well hydrated and avoid any that show signs of webbing or damage, which could indicate pest issues.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Keeping the flowers in a cool environment is crucial for maintaining their freshness.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Continuous hydration with water mixed with a floral preservative will maximise the flowers' lifespan.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Due to unknown ethylene sensitivity, it is prudent to keep these flowers away from potential sources of ethylene gas.