Variety traits

Double-flowering in Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench

Double-flowering in Echinacea is a breeding-derived transformation of the inflorescence where tubular disc florets are replaced by ligulate florets, causing the inflorescence to lose its characteristic cone-shaped center.

In the reference 13 varieties crop Purple coneflower, where this is mentioned in the description.

In the agronomy and breeding of Echinacea purpurea, this trait is assessed visually based on the degree of replacement of tubular florets with petal-like structures. Varieties are classified into descriptive categories such as semi-double or fully double, while specific quantitative scales for measuring the trait are lacking.

Double-flowering significantly reduces the seed productivity of the crop, sometimes leading to total sterility, as reproductive organs are replaced by decorative petals, which necessitates a shift to vegetative propagation. Furthermore, the alteration in flower morphology hinders the access of pollinating insects to nectar.

Cultivation of double-flowered Echinacea forms is characterized by a certain instability in trait expression, which, in some varieties, may require the plant to reach a specific age. The agronomic value of double-flowering is focused exclusively on decorative qualities for landscaping.

General information about the subject — on the page Double flowering / Reversion.

Sources8

Varieties of Purple coneflower mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.