How to Grow Ivory Tower
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Ivory Tower
Echinacea purpurea 'Ivory Tower'
flowerIvory Tower is a stunning cultivar of purple coneflower featuring pure white petals with a golden-yellow central cone, creating a striking two-tone appearance. This perennial herbaceous flower grows 24-30 inches tall and blooms abundantly from mid-summer through fall. It's a robust, low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators and provides excellent cut flowers.
When should you plant Ivory Tower in your zone?
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Example Ivory Tower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ivory Tower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Ivory Tower blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ivory Tower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; exceptionally cold and heat hardy
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Get my Ivory Tower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with initial true leaves emerging; very delicate appearance
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin to strongest seedlings if direct sown.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeks (first year)Plant develops sturdy stems and lance-shaped foliage; no flowers yet. Reaches 12-18 inches in first year
Water regularly during establishment. Pinch back if needed to encourage bushier growth. Remove any flower buds first year to strengthen root system.
Flowering
June through October (4+ months)White petals unfold around golden-yellow disk florets; buds appear on tall stems. Continuous blooming occurs
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming season. Water during drought. Stake if needed in windy areas. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.
Seed Development
August through winterAfter pollination, disk flowers develop spiky seed heads that turn brown; attract finches
Allow some flowers to go to seed for wildlife and self-seeding. Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds and winter interest.
Dormancy
November through MarchAbove-ground foliage dies back; plant appears dead but roots survive underground
Cut back dead stems to 2-3 inches in late fall or early spring. No watering needed. Mulch lightly to protect crowns in very cold zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; remove affected leaves
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Remove infected plants; control leafhoppers with insecticidal soap; no cure once infected
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticides if severe; beneficial insects help control
Uses
Immune Support
MedicinalEchinacea is traditionally used to support immune function and may help reduce duration and severity of colds and respiratory infections. The root and aerial parts contain active compounds that have been studied for immune-boosting properties. [source]
Herbal Tea & Infusions
CulinaryDried flowers and roots can be steeped to create herbal tea with a earthy, slightly bitter flavor. Often blended with elderberry, ginger, or honey for flavor and additional wellness benefits. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the long bloom season. Seed heads provide food for goldfinches and other birds well into winter. [source]
Cut Flowers & Dried Arrangements
HouseholdExceptional cut flower with long vase life. Dries beautifully for permanent arrangements; seed heads are particularly striking in dried displays. [source]
Topical Skin Support
MedicinalEchinacea extracts are used in creams and salves traditionally for wound healing and skin irritation support due to compounds that may promote skin repair. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries but before heat peaks. Harvest when outer ray florets are horizontal or slightly drooping; center should still be pale. Cut stems at 45-degree angle, remove lower foliage. Flowers last 10-14 days in a vase. Leave some flowers for seed production and wildlife. Collect seed heads in fall when brown and dry; store seeds dry in cool location for spring sowing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ivory Tower was hybridized and introduced by plant breeder John Loeper and has won multiple horticultural awards including recognition for its exceptional garden performance
- 🌱 Purple coneflowers are native to North America and were used medicinally by Native American tribes long before European colonization; Ivory Tower honors this heritage while offering a modern white twist
- 🌱 The spiky golden cone is composed of hundreds of tiny flowers; each 'disk floret' is a complete flower that can set seed independently, making the seed head incredibly productive for wildlife
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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