Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White'

Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its nectar-rich flowers. In the fall, the seed heads are a valuable food source for birds, especially finches. The plant’s wildlife-friendly nature makes it an excellent addition to pollinator and bird gardens.

'Prairie Splendor Compact White' is a herbaceous perennial that emerges in spring, blooms from summer through early fall, and dies back to the ground in winter, re-emerging the next spring.

Low-maintenance borders and pollinator gardens

Containers and small garden beds

Drought-tolerant or xeriscape landscapes

Butterfly and bee-attracting plantings

The foliage consists of dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a basal clump. The leaves are coarse and slightly hairy, providing a nice contrast to the smooth, white petals. The foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season, adding texture to the garden bed even when the plant is not in bloom.

• Flowering Season: This compact coneflower blooms from early summer to early fall, typically from June to September, offering a continuous display of white, daisy-like flowers. Its extended flowering season makes it a reliable source of color in the garden during the warmer months.

• Flower Description:The flowers of Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' are large, daisy-like blooms with pure white petals and a prominent, spiky golden-orange cone at the center. Each flower can grow up to 3-4 inches in diameter and is held on sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting. The flowers are long-lasting and fade gracefully, adding beauty to the garden over an extended period.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall, allowing the plant to establish its roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.

• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the crown of the plant level with the soil surface. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. After the first frost, cut the plant back to the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy. If you want to attract birds, you can leave the seed heads on the plant in fall and winter before cutting them back in early spring.

'Prairie Splendor Compact White' is drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular watering during its first growing season to establish deep roots. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It thrives in well-drained soils and does not tolerate soggy conditions.

This plant thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. It can tolerate light shade but will produce fewer flowers and may not grow as vigorously in low-light conditions.

The flowers of 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' make excellent cut flowers. To harvest, cut the stems when the blooms are fully open, and place them in water immediately. The spiky cones add unique texture to both fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or apply compost to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. Echinacea is not a heavy feeder, so one application per year is usually sufficient to support its growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Soil: 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can tolerate poorer soils but will perform best in rich, well-drained soil.

• Disease Resistance: This variety is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care addition to the garden. Ensure proper air circulation to prevent potential fungal issues, though these are uncommon.

This plant is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. While it is self-pollinating, attracting pollinators will enhance the plant’s overall health and seed production, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Perennials for Color Contrast & Pollinators:

• Salvia nemorosa (‘Caradonna’, ‘Blue Hill’) – Deep purple spikes contrast beautifully with white blooms and attract bees
  
• Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ or ‘Zagreb’ – Soft yellow daisies complement white Echinacea and add airy texture
  
• Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ – Warm red-orange tones create bold color contrast
  
• Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) – Silvery foliage and purple flowers bring texture and scent
  
• Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ or ‘Kudos Coral’ – Long-blooming with hummingbird appeal
  

Low-Growing Edgers or Groundcovers:

• Nepeta (Catmint) – Blue blooms and fragrant foliage help deter deer and soften borders
  
• Sedum ‘Angelina’ or ‘Autumn Joy’ – Succulent foliage pairs well and thrives in dry soils
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Adds foliage color contrast in front of Echinacea
  
• Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – Fragrant, flowering, and drought-tolerant
  

Grasses & Structural Plants:

• Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ – Upright habit and burgundy fall foliage enhance garden texture
  
• Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) – Cool-toned foliage adds contrast and handles dry sites
  
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Narrow, vertical habit with warm-toned foliage in fall