Love these...

Laura and I visited the conservancy in Germantown earlier this afternoon, and as usual, I couldn't stay away from taking a few pictures of the loveliest medicinal plant around... :)





Here are some facts for your reading pleasure... :)

Life Cycle: Perennial
Planting Time: Spring or Fall
Height: 3' to 4'(dwarf from to 24")
Exposure: Full sun or light shade
Soil: well drained; fertile - you may need to use an organic fertilizer
Hardiness: Zones 3 to 9
Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
Propagation: Purchased seeds and divisions. Seeds collected from the garden often do not come true.
Uses: Beds, borders, wildflower meadows. Drought resistant.

* New plants and seedlings will need to be watered until they are established. Once they are growing well, they will thrive on the available moisture from rain except in extremely dry areas.
* Rabbits and hedgehogs think new echinacea shoots are a tasty treat, so protect seedlings and young plants.
* The only thing echinacea can be somewhat fussy about is too much moisture. It likes a fairly dry soil, and should never have to sit very long with it's roots in wet, soggy soil.

(http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/flowers/perennials/coneflower.asp)