CONEFLOWER 'RUBY STAR' Echinacea purpurea
One of the best strains of Echinacea is 'Ruby Star'. It is similar to E. 'Magnus' in that they both hold their petals in a horizontal arrangement, however, the petals of 'Ruby Star' are more substantial with a deeper magenta-red color.
Echinacea bloom over a long period, for many weeks, even a couple of months!
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Height: 24", 60 cm
Location: Sun or shade. Traditionally prefers full-sun locations, though we have plants in mostly-shady locations and they still bloom and grow well.
Seeds per pack: 15
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds benefit from a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:
Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.
