Echinacea purpurea Rainbow Marcella (Coneflower)

Noted for its petite size and warmly colored petals, Echinacea purpurea Rainbow Marcella (Coneflower) is the stunning result of a cross between Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea paradoxa, pairing the qualities of each. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, this compact perennial boasts a profusion of coral pink daisy-like flowers that mature to a soft, raspberry pink and remain colorful until a cold winter frost. This dwarf coneflower is well branched with strong, upright stems. Perfect for container gardening and small urban spaces. Excellent as a cut flower.

• Grows up to 18 in. tall (45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). 
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of drought, heat, and humidity.
• Perfect choice for beds and borders, prairies and meadows, wildflower gardens, or cottage gardens.
• Excellent as cut flowers. If flower heads are not removed in the fall, the blackened cones will be visited by birds that feed on the seeds.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but deer resistant.
• Remove spent flowers and cut back the stems to encourage further blooms.
• Propagate by division in spring or fall or by root cuttings from late fall to early winter.

Echinacea, commonly called Coneflower, has been cultivated as a hardy and showy perennial since the 1700s, both in North America and Europe. Truly an American plant, native to the central and eastern part of the country, it was used by the early Native Americans to cure wounds and infections. A great prairie flower, its bright and large blossoms made a successful transition to the backyard. Traditionally purple, with ray flowers that droop downward off the central cone, Coneflowers today enjoy a rich variety of colors and flower shapes with ray florets held horizontal, single or even doubled, giving them the look of Chrysanthemum. Easily grown from seed, they thrive on neglect.