Green Twister Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Twister’) – A Unique, Bicolor Pollinator Magnet
Green Twister Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘Green Twister’) is a cultivated variety of Purple Coneflower known for its striking, two-toned flowers with lime-green edges fading into bright pink or purple centers. This drought-tolerant, long-blooming perennial attracts butterflies, bees, and songbirds, making it a standout in pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and prairie plantings.
Flowers: Large, daisy-like flowers, 4 to 5 inches wide. Unique lime-green petal edges transitioning into pink, magenta, or purple centers. Prominent, raised coppery-orange central cone rich in nectar and pollen. Blooms from early summer to fall, often reblooming into late autumn. Highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Height & Spread: Grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Forms clumping, upright growth with strong, sturdy stems that rarely need staking.
Leaves: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves, slightly coarse and rough to the touch. Arranged in a basal rosette with smaller leaves along the stems.
Growth Habit: Moderate growth rate, forming a compact, bushy clump. Long-lived and resistant to poor soils.
Seed Heads & Reproduction: Produces large, spiky seed heads in fall, which persist into winter. Goldfinches and other songbirds feast on the seeds.
Roots: Fibrous root system, spreading slowly over time. Tolerates transplanting better than deep-rooted perennials.
Habitat & Range: A cultivar of native Purple Coneflower, bred for enhanced color variation. Thrives in prairies, meadows, and dry open woodlands. Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
Wildlife Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers support butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Dried seed heads provide fall and winter food for birds. Deer-resistant, though young plants may be browsed.
Bicolor Blooms with a Wild Look: Unlike traditional Purple Coneflowers, Green Twister features two-toned petals, adding a dramatic effect to garden plantings.
Extended Bloom Time: Unlike some coneflowers that fade in midsummer, Green Twister reblooms well into fall.
Cold-Hardy and Tough: Tolerates temperatures down to -30°F and thrives in poor, dry soils.
Growing Green Twister Coneflower: Best for pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, and cottage gardens. Thrives in full sun, preferring dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Highly drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming, or leave seed heads for birds. Low-maintenance—cut back dead foliage in early spring for fresh growth.
