Coneflower

Purple Coneflower

Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea. Purple Coneflower enjoys full sun/part shade, and grows 2-4′ tall. The purple flowers last long in bloom (from July through September); attracting a variety of butterflies. Grows up to four feet tall in moderately dry to slightly damp soil, in full sun or light shade.

The seed heads are often visited by chickadees, sparrows, and goldfinches, or siskins and redpolls when in high numbers. They prefer full sun and a well drained soil, but will do well in almost any soils, and tolerate dry soil conditions. Adding a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season may help. Coneflower will grow tall, 24″ to 42″, depending upon variety. The plants will form many branches. Encourage new blooms by removing all dead flowers.

Foxglove

 

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is as well-known by its genus name of Digitalis because its leaves provide the drug used as a heart stimulant; the species is purpurea. Hybrid forms in many colors such as pink, yellow, and purple are available from nurseries. Its large flowers make it a favorite of the typical Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It is a biennial plant, blooming in summer. Foxglove does best in moist, but well-drained soil in areas receiving full sun or light shade, or even in full shade in hot areas.