Coneflower (Echinacea 'CBG Cone 2' PIXIE MEADOWBRITE)
Dwarf Echinacea 'CBG Cone 2' PIXIE MEADOWBRITE Coneflower offers low-maintenance pink blooms from June to August, thriving in drought.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is a fantastic dwarf hybrid Coneflower, developed by the Chicago Botanic Garden, making it perfect for smaller spaces where a traditional coneflower might overwhelm. This adaptable perennial provides reliable color from early summer into mid-summer, boasting horizontal bright pink ray flowers surrounding a pronounced dark center cone. As a low-maintenance selection, the vibrant display of Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE benefits local ecosystems by attracting vital butterflies and other insect pollinators.
This specific cultivar is noted for its compact stature, typically reaching only 15 to 20 inches tall, yet it retains the celebrated resilience of its parent species. Gardeners appreciate its tolerance for heat, humidity, and various soil conditions, reducing the need for constant intervention. Planting groups of this unique Coneflower ensures a significant visual impact, whether used in structured borders or allowed to naturalize slightly.
The charm of this Coneflower extends even after blooming concludes, as the spent flower heads maintain an upright posture well into winter, often providing seeds for visiting songbirds. For gardeners seeking dependable native perennials that fit modern landscape designs, Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE offers exceptional performance and aesthetic appeal.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to plant Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, or in early fall. Aim for a location that receives full sun, though the plant will also tolerate light afternoon shade. This adaptable native thrives in average soils, provided they are well-drained. It handles challenging conditions like clay soil, dry soil, and shallow-rocky soil with ease, demonstrating superior drought tolerance once established.
Watering for this low-maintenance Coneflower should be managed carefully; allow the soil to dry out between waterings, fitting its ‘dry to medium’ needs. Fertilizing is rarely necessary due to its adaptability and preference for average soils. If you choose to divide the clumps, do so only when they become overcrowded, which typically occurs every four years.
While plants rebloom reasonably well without intervention, prompt removal of spent flowers (deadheading) will encourage a longer and more continuous bloom period throughout the summer. Leaving the seed heads standing through winter offers valuable late-season structure and provides food for birds, a pleasant byproduct of letting nature take its course.
Landscape Uses
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is superbly suited for areas where height control is necessary, making it ideal for border fronts where it won’t shade shorter plants. It functions wonderfully as an attractive specimen plant, though mass plantings truly showcase its robust pink coloration. Consider using this compact Coneflower in rock gardens or the sunny edges of open woodland gardens where drainage is good.
Because it is so hardy and drought-tolerant once settled, this variety pairs beautifully with other sun-loving, low-water perennials native to the plains, such as ornamental grasses, Sedum, or Russian Sage. Planting Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE in groups of three or more ensures better visual density and provides a significant landing zone for pollinators.
Its rigid stems and compact habit make it an excellent choice for contemporary mixed borders, providing reliable structure throughout the growing season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Genus name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea urchin in reference to the spiny center cone found on most flowers in the genus. PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is a dwarf hybrid coneflower that has been developed and released by the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG in the cultivar name) as part of their Meadowbrite Series of coneflowers. It is the result of a cross of E. Tennesseensis x E. Purpurea and E. Angustifolia x E. Tennesseensis. Each small daisy-like coneflower features horizontal bright pink ray flowers surrounding a dark center cone, presenting a reliably cheerful display.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
All coneflowers, including Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE, can occasionally face challenges from common garden issues. Aster yellows is a potential systemic disease to watch for, characterized by distorted, greenish-yellow flowers. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots may appear, especially in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation.
Management often involves preventative care. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to promote airflow, which helps reduce fungal disease pressure. Watch actively for pests like Japanese beetles, which feed on the foliage and flowers, as well as erythroid mites. Promptly removing heavily infested or diseased foliage can limit the spread of problems throughout your Coneflower planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coneflower suitable for?
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, offering wide applicability throughout much of North America.
How large does Coneflower grow?
This dwarf variety typically reaches a manageable height between 1 and 2 feet tall, with an equal spread of 1 to 2 feet wide on strong stems.
When does Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE bloom?
You can expect consistent pink blooms from this Coneflower starting in June and continuing through August, with potential for sporadic repeat blooming afterward.
What sun exposure does Coneflower need?
For the best performance and most prolific blooms, Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE requires full sun, though it will tolerate part shade conditions.
Conclusion
The Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE brings exceptional low-maintenance charm to the garden, validated by its outstanding drought and soil tolerance. This compact Coneflower ensures vibrant pink summer color, making it a superior choice for modern, water-wise borders. Before planting, confirm that your location falls within USDA Zones 3-9 and ensure the site receives ample daily sunshine for the happiest results.
Wildlife Benefits
Coneflowers are celebrated champions of pollinator support, and Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE is no exception. The prominent central cones are rich in nectar and pollen, providing essential refueling stops for myriad butterflies that appreciate its sturdy landing platform. Growing these plants directly supports local insect populations, contributing to greater garden biodiversity.
Furthermore, gardeners who resist cleanup in the late fall will be rewarded with winter visual interest and bird feed. The dried flower heads of the Coneflower remain upright, holding seeds that are highly desirable to goldfinches and other seed-eating birds throughout the colder months.
Companion Planting
Due to its preference for well-drained soil and full sun exposure, pair Echinacea ‘CBG Cone 2’ PIXIE MEADOWBRITE with other robust, low-water perennials often found in prairie or meadow settings. Excellent companions include Catmint (Nepeta), which offers contrasting blue-purple flowers and acts as a soft border plant. Lavender (Lavandula) also shares similar cultural needs regarding moisture and sun, creating a tapestry of textures and scents. For vertical interest, consider placing taller spires of Blazing Star (Liatris) behind this dwarf Coneflower.
