Many people believe purple coneflowers are worthy of awards, but now it's official.
The Perennial Plant Association named Magnus purple coneflower as its Perennial Plant of the Year for 1998. Purple coneflowers, known botanically as Echinacea, have long been favorites with gardeners in the South and now have found their way to the health food aisle in stores as a medicinal plant. American Indians used it to cure a number of ailments and now herbalists use it in their teas and pills. They have been credited with anti-inflammatory properties, tissue regeneration abilities and the ability to stimulate the immune system. Magnus is a real winner in the garden.