Echinacea evaluation report released

Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Del., has released the results of a 3-year study (2007-2009) of Echinacea cultivars. “Coneflowers for the Mid-Atlantic Region” is the compilation of an evaluation project that included 31 purple cultivars, 12 hybrid cultivars and 5 species. The report provides recommendations on those plants that performed best under garden conditions in the mid-Atlantic region.
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ (Pixie Meadowbrite), Echinacea purpurea ‘Vintage Wine’, E. purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’, E. purpurea ‘Pica Bella’, E. purpurea ‘Elton Knight’ and  E. pallida and E. tennesseensis. These selections received the top ratings based upon good habit, disease and pest resistance, abundant floral display and winter hardiness.
Recommended cultivars evaluated in specific categories include E. purpurea ‘Fragrant Angel’ (white flowers), Echinacea ‘Sunrise’ (yellow flowers), Echinacea ‘Tiki Torch’ (orange flowers), E. purpurea ‘Hope’ (light pink flowers), Echinacea ‘Twilight’ (dwarf habit), E. purpurea ‘Coconut Lime’ (uniquely shaped flowers) and E. purpurea ‘Sparkler’ (variegated foliage).