{"product_id":"echinacea-purpurea-butterfly-kisses","title":"Echinacea purpurea, Butterfly Kisses","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Butterfly Kisses’ is a relatively compact cultivar that grows only 1 to 1.5 ft. tall perfect for patio containers. This native plant is commonly called purple coneflower, blooms throughout the summer and is the ultimate magnet for Monarch butterflies. We recommend for use in the perennial border, native plant or butterfly garden, or in wildflower garden. Butterfly Kisses’ was bred by the master hybridizer Arie Blom in The Netherlands. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time.  Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.  One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary.  Good air movement is also important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Deadhead”, remove spent flower heads to encourage continuous flowering and prevent seed development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove and discard foliage after a hard frost in fall. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn colder regions, apply another layer of mulch (1-2 inches) after the ground freezes in fall. Evergreen boughs (from Christmas trees) provide additional protection. Remove this mulch in the spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDivide perennials when plants become overcrowded, bloom size begins to diminish or plants lose their vigor.  Divide Echinacea every 3-4 years. Divide in spring or fall. When plants are dormant in spring or fall, dig clumps from the ground and with a sharp knife or spade, cut into good sized divisions, each with several growing eyes and plenty of roots. Remove any dead or unhealthy plant parts and cut back stems. Replant one division where the plant was originally and plant the extra divisions elsewhere in your garden or give them away to gardening friends. Plant the divisions immediately, or as soon as possible, and water well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.\u003cbr\u003eCut flowers when blooms open. Cones may also be cut for dried arrangements.\u003cbr\u003eEchinacea is a terrific plant for the pollinator garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seedsplant","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778892792125,"sku":null,"price":5.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778892824893,"sku":null,"price":7.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778892857661,"sku":null,"price":12.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778892890429,"sku":null,"price":17.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_08cf2424-9cc7-4dde-ac39-d2441bf5cadf.jpg?v=1780321839","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/echinacea-purpurea-butterfly-kisses","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}