In early 2017, AIB Lexington set our sights on having an “official flower” named for our community.
We began by reaching out to area horticulturists, garden clubs, and city government officials for input. With a plan in place, we spent the next few months polling gardeners, horticulturists, landscapers, garden centers and community members for recommendations. The three best were then included in public poll.
When we had a clear winner, we submitted our proposal to the Lexington – Fayette Urban County Council.
Thanks to all these stakeholders and more, Lexington-Fayette County has an official flower.
About the Purple Coneflower
Echinacea Purpurea, better known as the Purple Coneflower, is a perennial Kentucky native. Sun-loving and drought tolerant, it is ideal for single plantings or show-stopping mass groupings.
Coneflowers gets their name from the coned center of the bloom where the seeds develop. These showy, daisy-like flowers bloom throughout the summer. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter; and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones may be visited by goldfinches or other birds that feed on the seeds.
Native to North America, echinacea was discovered and used as an herbal remedy for more than 400 years by the Great Plains Indian tribes. Technically classified as an herb, several species are used to make medicine from the flowers, leaves and roots.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Native Range: Eastern North America
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 24 to 60 inches Spread: 18 to 24 inches
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Pinkish Purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium Maintenance: Low
Tolerates: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Want to Grow Some?
Choosing and preparing a planting site