The recently introduced echinaceas in all the new colors have often been wonderful, but one of the disappointments I’ve had is that sometimes the flowers are malformed. Like this flower on ‘Sunrise’.

The rays open partially quilled, like a “spoon” chrysanthemum, then some open out flat while some don’t and the rays are all at different stages at the same time – the result is mess. And it doesn’t seem to happen with the old favorites. I’m told it’s more common in the plant’s first year – this plant of ‘Sunrise’ is in its second year. Do other people find the same thing? Or is it just me? And why does it happen?