Narrow-Leaved Coneflower (Echinacea) vs Anthony Waterer Spiraea

Narrow-Leaved Coneflower is a native perennial wildflower known for its pink to pale purple, daisy-like blooms. The petals (rays) droop downwards, around a dark, domed center, giving the flower a cone-like appearance. The nectar-rich blossoms attract a wide variety of pollinators, including native bees and butterflies. After flowering, the seeds provide food for birds, further adding to its ecological value.

Once established, it is drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot, which also helps stabilize soil. Narrow-Leaved Coneflower thrives in a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, and alkaline. It often grows alongside the native grasses that characterize prairie and grassland ecosystems, making it well-suited for prairie and grassland restoration, naturalization, and pollinator gardens.

Anthony Waterer Spiraea is a low maintenance shrub with a dwarf, rounded form. In spring and summer rosy pink blooms emerge against green foliage. Its tolerance of a variety of well-drained soils makes it an ideal foundation, landscaping, or border plant.

If deer and rabbit are an issue on your property, consider planting Anthony Waterer Spiraea for its deer/rabbit resistance. Due to its compact form, minimal pruning is required.

Compare Narrow-Leaved Coneflower (Echinacea) with

Compare Anthony Waterer Spiraea with