Ozark Gold Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) is a striking, perennial wildflower native to the Ozark Mountains. Known for its unique yellow petals and prominent central cone, this plant adds a bold pop of color to gardens and landscapes. Unlike the typical purple coneflowers, Ozark Gold stands out with its distinctive golden-yellow flowers, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking something unusual. The plants are also well-loved by pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, contributing to a healthy ecosystem. With 50 seeds included, you can easily start a thriving patch of these beautiful, drought-tolerant flowers.

Key Features:

• 50 Seeds: Includes 50 high-quality Ozark Gold Coneflower seeds for planting a colorful and pollinator-friendly garden.
• Unique Yellow Flowers: The golden-yellow petals set this variety apart from traditional purple coneflowers, making it a stunning focal point in any garden.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Ozark Gold Coneflower is highly drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens in dry conditions.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts a variety of beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
• Easy to Grow: A hardy and resilient plant that thrives in a variety of soil types and requires minimal care once established.
• Perennial Plant: A long-lasting addition to your garden that will return year after year, offering beauty and ecological benefits.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Ozark Gold Coneflower thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates.
• Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained, loamy or sandy soil but is adaptable to different soil types. It is not particularly fussy about soil fertility, making it a low-maintenance choice for various garden conditions.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sowing Depth: Lightly press the seeds into the soil (1/8 to 1/4 inch deep), as they need light for germination.
  • Sowing Time: Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after the last frost.
  • Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days when kept in warm soil (65-75°F or 18-24°C).
  • Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow and spread.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist until seeds germinate. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, as this plant is drought-tolerant.
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and tidy up the plant. You can also divide the plant every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and spread your patch.

Benefits:

• Pollinator Support: The bright flowers attract essential pollinators, which can help improve fruit and vegetable yields and contribute to local biodiversity.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, the Ozark Gold Coneflower thrives with little water, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
• Easy Care: This hardy plant requires minimal care after establishment, making it perfect for busy gardeners or those new to planting perennials.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: The flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, offering a colorful display in the garden for an extended period.
• Wildlife-Friendly: In addition to attracting pollinators, the seed heads of the cone-shaped central disk are enjoyed by birds, particularly goldfinches, in the fall and winter months.

Growing Zones:
Ozark Gold Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, from northern temperate zones to the southern U.S. It is a great choice for both colder and warmer regions, as it can withstand winter frost and summer heat.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Wildflower Gardens: Plant Ozark Gold Coneflower as part of a naturalized or wildflower garden, where its bright flowers can add vibrant color among other native species.
• Pollinator Gardens: Include this plant in a pollinator-friendly garden to provide nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Borders and Edging: Its upright growth habit and showy flowers make it a great choice for borders or as an edging plant along garden paths.
• Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Use it in xeriscaping or dry gardens, as it can thrive in sunny, low-water conditions.

Conclusion:
Ozark Gold Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a striking and low-maintenance perennial that adds unique golden-yellow color to the landscape. With its drought tolerance, long-lasting blooms, and pollinator benefits, it’s a versatile addition to any garden, whether planted alone or as part of a mixed perennial bed. Easy to grow and care for, this hardy flower will enhance your garden season after season with minimal effort. Add 50 of these beautiful seeds to your garden and enjoy the beauty and ecological benefits they provide