Also known as a coneflower, echinaceas have become increasingly popular as a garden plant over recent years. Native to the prairies of North America, they have pink or purple flowers and a large orange cone in the centre, which is a seed head. The name arises from the resemblance of the seed head’s sharp spines to a hedgehog, as “echinos” means hedgehog in Greek. The long-lived flowers are excellent for cutting and extremely attractive to bees and butterflies. Archaeologists have found evidence that Native Americans may have used echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds. These days echinacea is still widely used as a herbal medicine to ward off the common cold and to treat skin problems. The striking Star block is similar to a Lone Star in design but is constructed using FPP. It makes a real statement on this curvaceous vase with the nodding flowers above.
