This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moderately fertile, preferably heavy but well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Found colonising a railway embankment in the USA by a retired horticulturalist, this beautiful coneflower has finely quilled ray florets (petals), which surround a rounded, orange-brown cone. Perfect for adding late colour to mixed or herbaceous borders, they also make fine companions to ornamental grasses.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide congested colonies in autumn or spring. Support with ring stakes or brushwood well before the flowers appear.