Montreal picks new hybrid flower for 375th celebrations

Montreal will have anew floral emblem aspart of the city's 375th anniversary celebrations.

TheMontreal Echinaceawas successfully developedat the city'sBotanical Gardens for Montreal'supcomingbirthday bash in 2017.

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The flowerwill bloom inJuly and could last as long asearly October.The petals will graduallychange colourstoo, ranging from yellow to bright pink.

The flower isa hybrid that is resistant to infections and insects, and will alsoattract 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.