Inflorescence — Echinacea (hybrids)

The primary parameters for evaluating the capitulum inflorescence include its diameter, which varies from 8 to 12 cm or more, and its structural type, which can range from simple forms to double flowers where the central disk is replaced by ray florets. Additionally, petal color—expanded in hybrids to white, orange, red, and coral tones—is considered, as well as the texture of the central cone and the orientation of the ray florets relative to the inflorescence axis.

In breeding practice, these traits hold primarily decorative value, although excessive selection for doubleness can lead to partial or complete inflorescence sterility. There are no strict standard values established for hybrids; assessment is conducted using visual-descriptive methods and comparative measurements, where preference is given to large size and decorative originality, in contrast to species forms, which are preferred for medicinal purposes.