perennial

Coneflower

Echinacea x hybrida 'Summerina Sunreef'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea x hybrida 'Summerina Sunreef' is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring daisy-like flowers with vibrant orange petals and prominent central cones, complemented by upright, lance-shaped green foliage.

An intergeneric hybrid (sometimes called x Echibeckia), this cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally large, 3-inch wide flowers with vibrant orange-red petals and a dark brown central cone. It boasts a very long bloom period from summer to frost and a compact, well-branched habit.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, daisy-like flowers attract pollinators and add vibrant color to gardens.
Practical UsesDrought tolerant once established reduces water needs.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

22 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or nursery-grown plants into well-drained soil
  2. Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks
  3. Place in full sun for best flowering
  4. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring
  5. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring
  6. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Pro Tip

Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 💧
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Divide every 3–4 years for vigorous growth
  • Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Do not fertilize with high nitrogen in late season
  • Never leave deadheading for too long
  • Avoid planting in poorly drained soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful pollinator-friendly borderVivid cottage garden bedDrought-tolerant flower bed

Companion Plants

SalviaCoreopsisBlack-eyed Susan Lavender Daylilies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coneflower questions

What zones can Coneflower grow in?

Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coneflower deer resistant?

Yes — Coneflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Coneflower bloom?

Coneflower typically blooms in mid-summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Coneflower need full sun?

Coneflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Coneflower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Coneflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Coneflower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.