Montreal

Montreal picks new hybrid flower for 375th celebrations

The perennial flower was created in Quebec specifically for Montreal's upcoming birthday bash in 2017. The first of its kind bloom was successfully grown at the city's Botanical Gardens.

City's new floral emblem, the Montreal Echinacea, will bloom from July to September

The Montreal Echinacea was developed at the city's Botanical Gardens. ( Claude Lafond/Jardin botanique de Montréal)

Montreal will have a new floral emblem as part of the city's 375th anniversary celebrations.

The Montreal Echinacea was successfully developed at the city's Botanical Gardens for Montreal's upcoming birthday bash in 2017. 

The flower will bloom in July and could last as long as early October. The petals will gradually change colours too, ranging from yellow to bright pink. 

The flower is a hybrid that is resistant to infections and insects, and will also attract bees.

Mayor Denis Coderre said in a statement that the flower will be planted in parks, courtyards and green alleyways across the city. 

Some will also be for sale to residents in 2017.