Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Flowers: June to September. Height: 90cm (36in).
Echinacea’s name is derived from the Greek word for hedgehog, inspired by the appearance of the flower’s central cone. Also known as Purple Coneflower, it was first sent to England in 1699 by the natural historian – Reverend John Banister.
Medicinal: It was known for stimulating the immune system by speeding up the healing process of wounds and skin infections as well as reducing the length and severity of colds, flu, sore throats, coughs and fevers.
