Echinacea purpurea Ruby Star (Coneflower)

Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Star' (Coneflower) is an upright perennial boasting a profusion of large, saturated pink flowers, 5 in. across (12 cm), adorned with a prominent burnt-orange central cone. Blooming from midsummer until frost, the striking blossoms hold their petals in a refined, horizontal arrangement, rather than drooping like the species. Popular with bees, wasps, and butterflies, this coneflower variety is worthy of a place in pollinator gardens, perennial borders, prairies or wildflower gardens. Can be used in fresh cut or dried arrangements.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Will freely self-seeds if some seed heads are left in place.
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant to 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 seed, by division in spring or fall or by root cuttings from late fall to early winter.