Eye-Catcher® 'Tanager' Coneflower (Echinacea)
Perennial
- Stunning orange/red blooms contrast dark cones!
- Native perennial loved by pollinators summer through fall.
- Features numerous branched flowering stems.
- Waterwise plant, easy-care & deer-resistant.
- Zones 4-8, sun/part sun, up to 24" tall x 18" wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Details
Common name: Coneflower
Zone: 4 - 8
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 22-24" X 16-18"
Flower color: Mix of reds and oranges
Foliage color: Green
Season of interest: Early summer through fall
Bloom time: Summer
Features: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, cold tolerant
Uses: Border, cottage gardening, massing, naturalizing, pollinator garden, wildflower garden
How to Grow
Light: Sun (> 6 hours sun). They will tolerate partial sun (4-6 hours sun), but plants may flop or strain to reach the sun.
Water: Average water needs. Water regularly the first season to encourage root growth. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant, and though they do handle heat very well once established, they appreciate regular watering.
Spacing: 15 - 18 inches
Fertilizing: Over-fertilizing will cause spindly growth, keep Echinacea on a lean diet, fertilize once in the spring with an organic fertilizer.
Winterizing: Avoid damp spots and heavy mulching over crowns in winter. Winter moisture can cause fungus or rot. Leave the foliage standing for winter and trim back or remove spent foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
Maintenance & pruning: Once planted, they are best left alone. After the first year, you can deadhead throughout the growing season, allowing the plant to flower in the fall. However, deadheading is not necessary.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.