Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), those sun-loving summertime stalwarts that impart cottage charm to any garden, originated in a pretty purple hue. But the plant was so exceptional in habit and temperament, that it was only natural to create other colors.
Now, coneflowers are available in a range of eye-popping shades from fiery orange to gleaming white and creamy yellow. Which means that no matter your garden color scheme, there’s probably one that’ll fit right in. One of the least fussy, easiest to grow perennials. Think of a spot in your garden that needs something, and there'll be a perfect coneflower to bring it life.
As that were not enough, they ‘re also a favorite of mid and last season pollinators. And, they make fabulous cut flowers. Here are a few to consider.
Sundown Big Sky™ Series Coneflower
(Above): Large red-orange petals surround a brown central cone on these fragrant flowers. Thick stems provide a sturdy structure and make them ideal for cut flower arrangements. Zone: 4 – 9
Sombrero® Salsa Red Coneflower
Zone: 4 – 9
Big, bright red blooms for an easy, colorful summer border. A must-have for sunny gardens.
Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Coneflower
Zone: 4 – 9
Tall with straight stems that wave bedding plants, but hold their own with taller perennials such as Russian sage.
PowWow® Wild Berry Coneflower
Zone: 3 – 9
Super cold zone gardeners–hardy to zone 3! Compact cutie is perfect for containers or in front of taller perennials such as goldenrod.
Sombrero® Blanco Coneflower
Zone: 4 – 9
Every garden needs a splash of white to mediate all those colorful beds and borders. Try this in an all-white moonlight garden.
Evolution™ Green Eye Coneflower
Zone: 4 – 9
An eyeful to be sure. Bright green cone at the center of every bloom, framed by dense petals in a lovely palette of pink hues.
Sombrero® Baja Burgundy Coneflower
Zone: 4 – 9
Wine-red, cold hardy and compact form with prolific flowering over a long season.