Echinacea purpurea 'Kismet Red'

Echinacea Kismet® Red is the reddest variety of the excellent Kismet series, which brings together very hardy plants with a compact and upright habit and particularly durable large flowers. It is a reliable and faithful perennial that blooms from a young age and throughout the summer. As radiant as it is generous, this plant is ideal in a pot or as a border plant. It is also a low-maintenance plant that adapts to all well-drained soils, even occasionally dry ones.

Native to the western United States, from Georgia to Michigan through Oklahoma and Ohio, Echinacea purpurea is a perennial with a strong character that doesn't resemble anything known, but boldly colonizes rocky meadows, savannas, clear undergrowth, and roadside edges in its natural habitat. 'Kismet Red' is a dwarf form of this robust pioneer. It forms a dense and stout clump, 40-45cm (16-18in) tall and 60cm (24in) wide. This plant doesn't weaken or collapse, demonstrating very good durability. The opposite lanceolate leaves are dark green and covered in rough hairs. The abundant flowering occurs from July to October and is highly visited by butterflies. The branched stems are topped with a solitary 8cm (3in) wide inflorescence, with a prominent, initially orange with red highlights, then brown central disc. It is surrounded by petals or ligules that are a slightly pinkish red, fading somewhat over time. The fruit is an achene that releases seeds that birds love. This plant anchors itself firmly and deeply in the soil, thanks to its well-developed root system.

Echinacea Kismet Red can be grown in pots or in the ground. This perennial can be planted in borders mixed with other varieties from the Kismet series or alongside compact Inulas, Tritomas, yarrows, daisies, Echinops, and Coreopsis. Lighten the scene by adding some ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia, Muhlenbergia capillaris... Gorgeous in flower beds, the beautiful colours of the Echinacea are also highly appreciated in fresh or dried flower arrangements.

A medicinal plant: In homeopathy, the root of Echinacea is used to fight against colds and strengthen the immune system. These properties were already used by Native Americans. The name Echinacea comes from the Greek echinos, which means "hedgehog-like", and acea, meaning "having the shape of", referring to the appearance of the flower's heart.