perennialN. America Native

Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower

Echinacea 'Butterfly Orange Skipper'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea, or coneflower, is a quintessential North American prairie plant, renowned for its daisy-like flowers with prominent central cones and its tolerance of heat and drought.

'Orange Skipper' is part of the Butterfly series, noted for its compact size, sturdy stems, and profusion of single-petaled, vibrant deep orange flowers that are irresistible to butterflies.

Uses & Benefits:

The intense orange flowers provide a hot splash of color in the summer garden. Its compact habit makes it perfect for the front or middle of the border, as well as in containers.

This coneflower is a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that provides a long season of bloom. The sturdy stems make the flowers excellent for cutting.

Echinacea is a powerhouse for pollinators, attracting a wide array of bees and butterflies. In the fall and winter, its seed heads are a favorite food source for finches and other seed-eating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole about twice the width of the pot.
Place the plant in the hole so the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and press firmly.
Water well after planting to settle the soil.
Avoid excessive winter mulch, which can cause crown rot.

Pro Tip

Leave the seed heads on the plants in fall and winter; they provide crucial food for goldfinches and other birds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure good soil drainage.
Deadhead early in the season to promote more blooms.
Leave late season seed heads for winter bird feeding.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in soggy soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade.
Don't over-fertilize; it can lead to weak, floppy stems.
Don't bury the crown when planting or mulching.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant pollinator garden stapleColorful mass planting for summer interestExcellent cut flower for bouquets

Companion Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia Salvia nemorosa Liatris spicata Panicum virgatum Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower questions

What zones can Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower grow in?

Butterfly Orange Skipper 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 Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower deer resistant?

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

When does Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower bloom?

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

Does Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower need full sun?

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

Is Butterfly Orange Skipper Coneflower drought tolerant?

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