Species coneflower
orange flowers with dark-orange center, green leaves and stems

coneflower

Echinacea 'Sunset' BIG SKY SUNSET

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sunset' BIG SKY SUNSET) is an amazing plant to have in your garden. With its elegant array of vibrant orange, yellow, and green petals, it creates a stunning display in any garden. The unique conical shape of the flower’s petals adds a delightful and eye-catching structure to the petal arrangement. Its charming long-lasting flowers are a great source of nectar for pollinating insects. This perennial flower thrives in sunny areas and can easily be grown in most soil conditions. Furthermore, it's drought tolerant and deer resistant. The Echinacea 'Sunset' BIG SKY SUNSET coneflower adds a unique color and texture to any garden setting, and is certain to be a conversation piece.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Orange rays with reddish-brown center cone Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

When watering your Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sunset' BIG SKY SUNSET), water deeply and thoroughly about once a week. Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. In hot or sunny conditions, check your plants daily and water as needed to prevent them from wilting. During the flowering season, you may need to water twice per week or more depending on conditions. For best results, water your Coneflowers early in the day, avoiding wetting the leaves as much as possible.

sunlight

Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sunset' BIG SKY SUNSET) prefers 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with slightly less in the hottest months. This particular variety should be planted in an area of the garden that gets full sun for most of the day, such as a south-facing sunny area or on the edge of a patio where the plants receive the maximum amount of light. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging, and mulching around the plants will help with this. To ensure optimal flowering, deadhead spent flowers as they fade and feed with a balanced fertiliser every 2 weeks during the main growing season.

pruning

Generally, coneflowers should be pruned once every year in early spring before new growth has emerged. This will help promote new growth during the growing season and will also help keep the shape of the plant. While pruning, it is important to remove any dead or damaged flowers and foliage to ensure the plant's health. Additionally, it is important to selectively remove some of the longer stems to encourage fuller foliage growth. When pruning, be sure to cut the stems back to just above the first set of leaves to avoid damaging the plant. Doing this type of pruning in the spring will help keep coneflowers vibrant and healthy throughout the growing season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Coneflowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Coneflowers typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Can coneflowers grow well in containers?

Yes, coneflowers can grow extremely well in containers. The best container for them is a large one as they prefer a lot of room to grow their roots. Additionally, be sure to use a fertile and well-draining potting soil and water regularly. Potted coneflowers should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilzer and divided yearly in order to ensure optimal health and flowering of these beloved plants.

Could coneflowers be used for landscaping?

Yes, coneflowers can be used for landscaping. They are generally perennials and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, burgundy, and white. They are very hardy and require little attention and care, making them a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping. When planted in clusters, coneflowers bloom throughout the summer and can provide beautiful colors and texture to your garden. Coneflowers are also very attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds and can help you attract wildlife to your yard.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. Coneflowers grow best in sunny locations and their long stems make them an excellent choice for a meadow landscape. They will enjoy sandy or loamy soils that drain well and need supplemental water during periods of drought. They can also be cultivated in areas with higher humidity, although they may require more maintenance and protection from insect pests. Coneflowers will add a splash of beautiful color to the meadow and will attract native bees and butterflies which can help to create a vibrant, natural environment.

Could coneflowers be planted in a meadow?

Yes, coneflowers can be planted in a meadow. They usually thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. If your meadow soil is too moist, coneflowers may not do well. It's best to prepare the soil with compost or aged manure and always water the plants in the morning to reduce the chances of disease. Coneflowers attract beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds, making them a great addition to any meadow.

Could coneflowers be grown as cut flowers?

Yes, coneflowers can be grown as cut flowers. A few varieties of coneflower, such as 'White Swan' and 'Double Decker', can handle being cut and put in arrangements. However, it is important to wait until the blooms are just beginning to open or fully opened to ensure that they last longer. For best results, cut the stems when the flowers are dry and bring them inside quickly. Proper care for the cut flower coneflowers should include changing water regularly and recutting the stems when needed. In general, coneflowers are an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.

Is it true that coneflowers bloom for a long time?

Yes, it is true that coneflowers bloom for a long time. They are a hardy perennial flower which blooms from late spring until the first frost in autumn. The flowering period for these plants can last for up to 8 weeks, and the individual flowers last for about 10 days each. Coneflowers are a great addition to any garden, with their vibrant colors, long bloom time and ability to attract butterflies making them an excellent choice for any garden.

Should coneflowers be mulched in the winter?

Yes, coneflowers should be mulched in the winter. Mulching coneflowers helps to protect them from the elements, such as cold temperatures and harsh winds. It also helps to promote water retention and prevent weed growth. For optimal results, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the coneflowers, making sure to keep it slightly away from the stems and leaves. For added protection, consider using a thick layer of evergreen boughs or leaves. Just remember to remove the layer of mulch when temperatures rise in the spring, as the added protection can prevent the coneflower from getting its required light and water.

Are coneflowers biennial or perennial?

Coneflowers are generally thought of as a perennial flower, meaning that they can last for multiple years in an area and will be able to grow again year after year. While some coneflowers have the potential to be grown as a biennial, meaning that they will need to reseed and start over again after two years, they are more commonly grown as a perennial. This means that they will last much longer and can provide vibrant and cheerful blooms year after year.