printable pdf - Perennials in Focus

EchinaceaArtsPride.qrk_Layout 1 11/14/13 4:06 PM Page 1
Perennials
in
f cus
S N A P S H O T S
Echinacea ‘Art’s Pride’ | Orange Meadowbrite Coneflower
Successes and possible drawbacks—how to
overcome them
Not a good plant when planted by itself, since it needs
other plants to lean on for support. Cutting the plant back
once before it blooms may encourage development of a
sturdier compact habit. Orange bloom is magnificent and
provides a continuous show as it fades from orange to
pale pink.
Notes from growers/retailers
‘Art’s Pride’ was the first orange-flowered coneflower in the
market introduced via the Chicagoland Grows® plant
introduction program. The flower color is appealing to
gardeners and will sell if in bloom at the garden center.
Flower description / bloom time
‘Art’s Pride’ features beautiful orange coneflowers, 3-4
inches across, that fade to pale pink over time. Few flowers
on each plant, yet they have a sweet subtle fragrance, and
make great cut flowers. It blooms from late June through
early August, with intermittent flowers into early fall.
Foliage interest—color/texture
While the grass-green, lanceolate leaves of ‘Art’s Pride’ are
not a significant ornamental feature, they are healthy all
summer. The basal leaves are not densely produced.
Habit and growth rate observations
Due to somewhat spindly habits, plants work best when
planted next to other perennials or grasses that help support
the weak stems. ‘Art’s Pride’ is a slow grower, 36 inches tall
and 24 inches wide after three seasons. Only 11 of 38 plants
trialed survived over winter (a 29% survival rate).
Site preference—soil & light
Grows best in full sun and well-drained soils. Supplemental
watering is needed, especially during establishment.
Amending soil with compost is beneficial.
Best combinations
Combines well with a variety of perennials and grasses
including Liatris, Aster, Rudbeckia, Sporobolus, Pervoskia,
Sessleria, Heliopsis, Helianthus, Sedum, Pennisetum.
Parting “SHOT”—the overall evaluation results were
Fair 
Stunning orange blooms are a stand out in the garden and
contrast well with the yellow and purple blossoms of other
perennials. ‘Art’s Pride’ needs the support of adjacent
perennials or grasses to prevent it from falling over. The
vigor and hardiness is questionable, as a large percentage
of our trials did not overwinter very well.
Evaluated 2005-2007