Not everything in this series is double but the newest ones experiment with this noval form for coneflowers. Their colors and unique petal shapes, when doubled in the rings, creates the varieties' different personalities.
The plants themselves are dwarf and bushy in nature, bred for good branching, multiple flowers, and robust crowns.
Singles hold their ring petals at different angles, whereas doubles supercharge their cones or ring petals.
FLAT SINGLES — TABLETOP STYLE
Ring petals stretch out like arms straight from the shoulder. They will relax as the flower ages, so the longer the petals remain alert and attentive, the more impressive the display. A good example of the style is the Kismet series which uses this form to showcase the flowers’ vivid colors.
Singles hold their ring petals at a diagonal, running the gamut from straight out to straight down, so the two extremes are the most impressive.
DROOPING SINGLES — PALLIDA STYLE
Ring petals curve sharply downward or droop down. Named for the signature look of the pallida species, this stance has a more casual, wildflower appeal to it. 'Fiery Meadow Mama' and 'Pretty Parasols' illustrate this wildflower look.
CONE DOUBLES — POM-POM STYLE
Here, the center converts its cone into petals, creating the puffy blossom found in cultivars like 'Hot Papaya', the Double Scoops, and 'Butterfly Kisses'.
Semidoubles do exist such as 'Delicious Candy'. The center cone starts to develop petals but stops midway.
RING DOUBLES — DAHLIA STYLE
Multiple rows of ring petals surround a fully formed cone in the center, open to pollinators. The best examples of this new form are the Sunseekers doubles.
Petal shapes determine which flower the form is compared to, so the industry uses different names, such as Dahlia, Gerbera, or Zinnia, for the category.
