Echinacea pallida – ‘species’ or ‘Hula Dancer’ – Pale Purple Coneflower

General Information:  Echinacea pallida is a taller yet more delicate Echinacea selection compared to the common Echinacea purpurea. A great longstanding choice that will slowly spread and perform for many years while attracting many pollinators. Listed as endangered in Tennessee and threatened in Wisconsin. Widely known for medicinal qualities, it is suspected that the plant’s rarity in these states is due to over-harvesting.

The ‘Hula Dancer’ selection is a good choice compared to hybrids that often die off in a few years. While hybrids have their purpose being very showy and colorful, ‘Hula Dancer’ is a graceful Coneflower whose petals hang loosely. Selected for thin white, pink-tinged petals that sway in a light breeze. A reliable, humble, and dainty perennial said to be preferred among pollinators. In a trial, when planted side by side with the species Echinacea purpurea, pollinators preferred Echinacea pallida ‘Hula Dancer’. ‘Hula Dancer’ is larger compared to the parent species, with the petals being nearly white.

Cultivation Details: Grows up to 3 ft. Blossoms from July to September. Adds interest in perennial gardens, native plant gardens, naturalized areas, prairie gardens, medicinal plant gardens, or woodland gardens. Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Keep protected from Slugs. Uniquely tolerant of clay soils. A larval host to the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly. Tolerates Deer browsing. Heat, humidity, and drought-tolerant..

Growing Requirements: Plant in full Sun to Light Shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Performs well in most soil types. Performs best with a deep layer of organic mulch. Suitable for acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils.

Fun Facts: The name “Echinacea” derives from Greek, meaning “spiny one,” in reference to the dried flower heads. Interestingly, this term is also used to describe the Echinoderm animal group, which includes Sea Urchins and Starfish. What’s more, the family Purple Coneflower belongs to, Asteraceae, takes its name from Asters, meaning “stars,” and all members of the Echinoderm group have a star-shaped radially symmetric body plan, as is characteristic of many of the flowers in Asteraceae!