Echinacea purpurea

Expect the unexpected with the unusual emerald hue of the Echinacea purpurea, a.k.a. ‘Green Jewel’, and its older cousin ‘Green Envy’

Collectors of the unexpected will appreciate the unusual hue of this Echinacea purpurea. The centres of ‘Green Jewel’ are the colour of Colombian emeralds, according to the Veseys seed catalogue, while the petals are an elegant pale-tourmaline.

Unlike its slightly older cousin, ‘Green Envy’, the verdant shades of ‘Jewel’ will hold for the entire blooming season, from July to September. In the summer you can expect plenty of interest from butterflies and hummingbirds, while deer are likely to give the green blossoms a miss.

And, at a maximum height of 60 cm (24 in.), the blooms are in no danger of flopping over, leaving behind a rich winter feast for visiting robins and chickadees to enjoy. Hardy to zone 3.