Origin
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake, commonly known as Tennessee purple coneflower, is a flowering plant that can be found in the eastern parts of North America, particularly in the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.
Common Names
Besides its scientific name, this plant is also commonly referred to as narrow-leaved purple coneflower, Tennessee coneflower, and Beadle's coneflower.
Uses
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for its medicinal properties. The roots of the plant are believed to possess immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties, and are used to make teas, tinctures, and other natural remedies.
The plant is also popular among gardeners for its beautiful purple flowers, which bloom from May to July and attract butterflies and bees to gardens.
General Appearance
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis is a herbaceous perennial plant that can reach heights of up to three feet. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The purple flowers of the plant have a cone-shaped center and reach around two to three inches in diameter. The petals of the flower are drooping, and they are typically deep purple, but sometimes appear pink or white. The plant blooms for around two to three weeks during early to mid-summer before going dormant until the following year.
Growth Conditions for Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Here are some growth conditions that will favor the growth and development of this plant:
Light
The plant prefers an ample supply of sunlight. In general, it grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. Partial shade can be beneficial during extremely hot weather conditions. However, the plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow optimally.
Water
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. It requires consistent watering throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. The soil must be drained because the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. An inch of water per week is enough to sustain the plant.
Soil
The plant thrives in fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant requires well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Sandy loams and loamy soils are the best for the plant because they facilitate proper soil drainage and water supply.
Temperature
The plant prefers mild temperatures, with a range of 70°F-80°F being the optimal range for growth. The minimum temperature required for the plant to grow is 50°F. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 40°F and above 90°F. Therefore, it grows best in areas with mild temperatures.
Fertilizer
The plant does not require too much fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive growth, which can be detrimental to the plant. Therefore, it is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 5:10:5. The fertilizer must be applied once or twice per growing season in moderate amounts to avoid over-fertilization.
Following these growth conditions will help ensure the proper conditions for Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake to grow optimally.
Cultivation Methods
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake is a herbaceous perennial that is native to North America. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, but can tolerate partial shade. This plant can be started from seed or propagated through division of the roots in the spring or fall. To start from seed, direct sow after the last frost. Germination takes 10-21 days. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 12-24 inches apart. Thin to 12-18 inches when the plants are 2-3 inches high.
Watering Needs
Once established, this plant is quite drought tolerant and doesn't require too much water. However, it will produce more flowers if it's watered regularly during extended dry periods. Water deeply once per week if rainfall is inadequate.
Fertilization
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake doesn't require heavy fertilization. Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and midsummer. Too much nitrogen can cause weak stems and fewer blooms, so it's best to avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content.
Pruning
Deadheading the spent flowers regularly will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. After the initial bloom, cut the plants back by half to encourage a second bloom. In the fall, cut the plants down to 6 inches above the ground and mulch over them for winter protection. In the spring, before new growth appears, cut back the dead foliage to make room for new growth.
Propagation of Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis (Beadle) Blake, commonly known as Tennessee coneflower, is a herbaceous perennial native to the southeastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through several methods.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method for reproducing Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis. The seeds should be sown in flats during the fall or spring. Before planting, scarification of the seeds by a small cut on the seed coat will increase germination rates. The flats should be placed in an area with full sun and well-draining soil. Seedlings typically emerge in 14-28 days and can be transplanted to their permanent location after one year.
Propagation by Division
Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis can also be propagated by division. The best time to divide the plant is during the spring or fall when the plant is not in bloom. The clumps should be lifted and divided with a sharp knife or spade. Each division should contain several shoots and a portion of the established root system. The new divisions should be planted in a well-draining soil with good air circulation.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Propagation by root cuttings can also be used for Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis. This method involves taking a 2-3 inch section of the root and planting it horizontally in a well-draining soil. The cuttings should be buried 1-2 inches deep and kept moist until new growth appears. This method is best done during the fall or winter.
Overall, Echinacea angustifolia DC. var. tennesseensis is a hardy plant that can be easily propagated through several methods. The key to successful propagation is to provide the plant with well-draining soil, proper sunlight, and moisture until it is established in its new location.
Disease Management
Echinacea angustifolia is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it may sometimes suffer from fungal and bacterial diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Septoria leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as gray spots on the leaves and can cause the plant to defoliate. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown and necrotic. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a bactericide.
Pest Management
Echinacea angustifolia may also suffer from pest infestations. The most common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the underside of the leaves and cause yellowing and bronzing of the foliage. To manage this pest, it is recommended to spray the plant with water to increase humidity, avoid overhead watering, and apply a miticide.
- Caterpillars: These larvae feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to pick them off by hand or apply an insecticide.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, remove weeds and debris from around the plant, and avoid using too much fertilizer, which can attract pests.
