Echinacea purpurea Bravado | Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea ‘Bravado’ | Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea ‘Bravado’ is a striking perennial featuring large, daisy-like blooms with deep red-purple petals surrounding a prominent orange, cone-shaped center. Known for its vibrant color and impressive size, this variety is a standout in borders, wildflower meadows, and perennial beds. A magnet for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, Echinacea is also an excellent cut flower with a long vase life.

Key Features:

• Bold, Showy Blooms – Deep red-purple petals with a prominent cone-shaped center.
• Long Flowering Period – Blooms last over two months, providing a lasting display.
• Pollinator Friendly – Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Low Maintenance & Drought Tolerant – Once established, it requires minimal care.
• Excellent Cut Flower – Strong stems and long-lasting blooms make it ideal for floral arrangements.

Germination Instructions:

• Indoor Sowing: Sow seeds indoors on moist, well-drained seed compost. Surface sow and lightly cover with vermiculite.
• Temperature: Maintain an ideal germination temperature of 20-24°C.
• Light Requirement: Light is needed for germination.
• Germination Time: 5-20 days, but can be slow and irregular.
• Cold Stratification: If germination does not occur, move seeds to 4°C for 2-4 weeks, then return to warmth. Repeat if necessary.
• Transplanting: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to 8cm pots and grow in cooler conditions before planting out after the last frost.

Growing Instructions:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Watering: Once established, Echinacea is drought-tolerant and should not be overwatered.
• Spacing: Plant 60cm apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.

Cultivation Instructions:

• Winter Protection: Apply a dry mulch in winter for added protection.
• Self-Seeding: Will self-seed freely; deadhead to control unwanted spread and extend the flowering period.
• Propagation: Root cuttings can be taken in early spring.
• Perennial Clumps: Allow plants to form substantial clumps for a fuller display.

Why Choose Echinacea purpurea ‘Bravado’?

This hardy and showy perennial brings long-lasting color and structure to gardens while providing essential nectar for pollinators. Its low-maintenance nature and excellent cut-flower quality make it a must-have for gardeners and florists alike. Ideal for borders, meadows, and naturalized plantings, Echinacea purpurea ‘Bravado’ will add a touch of elegance and durability to any garden.