Echinacea + Rudbeckia = Echibeckia?

Grower trials in California nurseries commenced this week in which big growers showcased their new hybrids and cultivar plants for the season.  Among them is a grower named Pacific Plug & Liner who is introducing a Dutch-bred perennial cross called Echibeckia. Yep! You guessed it, it’s a cross between an Echinacea and Rudbeckia. (Or in common terms, a coneflower and a black-eyed susan.) According to Ball Publishing, PPL’s plant tags say it has “the appearance of Rudbeckia and the strength of Echinacea.” It’s a big plant with darkish yellow-brown flowers. Definitely one to keep our eyes open for in the coming seasons, but don't go looking for it at your garden store just yet. It will take a couple of years for it to hit the market, but it will be interesting to see how the market reacts.