Echinacea Secret Affair (Coneflower)

Echinacea ‘Secret Affair’ is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of large double flowers combining rich Tyrian rose, mauve, and lavender atop a lovely foliage. Blooming from midsummer until frost, this ravishing coneflower has a strong upright habit with well-branched stems. It is an eye-catching addition to perennial borders, small gardens, or patio containers. Can be used in fresh cut or dried arrangements.

Echinacea 'Secret Affair' is a compact perennial boasting a profusion of large double flowers combining rich Tyrian rose, mauve, and lavender atop a lovely foliage. Blooming from midsummer until frost, this ravishing coneflower has a strong upright habit with well-branched stems. It is an eye-catching addition to perennial borders, small gardens, or patio containers. Can be used in fresh cut or dried arrangements.

  • Grows up to 16-22 in. tall (40-55 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
  • 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
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Double flowers may not be as attractive to butterflies and birds as single flowers. Deer resistant.
  • Remove spent flowers and cut back the stems to encourage further blooms. Deadheading will help them grow and thrive.
  • Propagate by division in spring or fall or by root cuttings from late fall to early winter.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Echinacea – Coneflowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow