Echinacea Bravado

Echinacea purpurea 'Bravado' Bravado Purple Coneflower

While the wild species Echinacea can sometimes carry its petals in a slightly drooping reflexed form, 'Bravado' was bred specifically for size and uprightness — producing massive 10–12cm rosy-purple daisy flowers that hold themselves flat in a wide open shape, each centred on a magnificent coppery-orange cone that glows in evening light.

This is the bred-for-impact coneflower — selected over generations for larger flowers, more upright petals and stronger stems than wild Echinacea purpurea. Each bloom is a substantial 10–12cm rosy-purple daisy with petals held flat (rather than sweeping backwards as the species form does), creating wide open daisy faces that read at considerable distance and provide proper visual impact in any border. The coppery-orange central cone is dramatically prominent — equal partner to the petals in the overall flower display. Hardy perennial, dying back to ground in winter and re-emerging late in spring. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised — a wildlife superstar particularly valued by Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, and a broad range of bees and bumblebees.

A note on growing

Echinacea is an investment in patience. Grown from seed, it focuses on building its deep taproot in the first year (producing only a few modest flowers), then erupts into a large, multi-stemmed clump in Year 2 and beyond. Year 1: establishment. Year 2: spectacular display. Year 3+: a substantial established clump that improves every year.

Sow indoors from February to April. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with only a very fine dusting of vermiculite — Echinacea seeds need light to germinate. Maintain a constant 20°C. If germination is slow after 3 weeks, move the tray to the fridge for 2 weeks (cold stratification) before returning to warmth — this trick breaks residual dormancy and often triggers the next wave. Plant out into full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, Echinacea develops a deep taproot that makes it exceptionally drought-tolerant.

Important cutting note: do not cut more than one-third of stems from any plant at once. Echinacea can produce multiple flowers per stem if the first is cut while side buds develop — extending the cutting season significantly. Vase life is 10–14 days on strong, sturdy stems. Leave the final flush of cones standing through winter — they provide structural interest and the seeds feed goldfinches through the coldest months.

⚠️ Mark the position in autumn: Echinacea emerges late in spring (often not until late May), and the bare ground can be mistaken for empty space. A small label or marker prevents accidentally digging into your established clump.

Where it shines

In "New Perennial" or "Prairie Style" borders, where 'Bravado' is essential structural planting — large, flat, daisy-form flowers in deep prairie pink, providing 4–5 months of continuous bloom from mid-summer through autumn. In wildlife and pollinator-focused borders, where the open daisy form is a major draw for butterflies and bees. In cutting gardens for substantial cut flowers with 10–14 day vase life. In late-summer plantings when many other perennials are winding down. The seed cones provide outstanding winter structure and bird food, making 'Bravado' a genuinely year-round plant.

Plant alongside

The classic prairie planting combination: pair 'Bravado' with Echinops ritro (steel-blue globe thistles — perfect shape contrast: flat pink discs against perfect blue spheres), Rudbeckia 'Marmalade' (warm gold next to rosy pink), Agastache 'Liquorice Blue' (blue-purple spikes in the same height range), and ornamental grasses behind for movement and texture. Together they provide continuous flowers June through November and exceptional pollinator support throughout.

Delivery

The seeds will be dispatched direct to you by Bishy Barnabees. Please allow up to 5 days for delivery.

Delivery:

Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.

Special Deliveries

Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.

Returns:

If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.