perennial

Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower

Echinacea 'Watermelon Deluxe'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea, or coneflowers, are upright, clump-forming perennials known for their daisy-like flowers with prominent central cones. They are staples of prairie-style and cottage gardens, valued for their long bloom season and pollinator appeal.

'Watermelon Deluxe' is a compact cultivar featuring large, fully double, pompom-like flowers in a vibrant watermelon-pink hue. It is known for its strong stems and prolific, long-lasting blooms.

Uses & Benefits:

This cultivar provides a burst of vibrant, long-lasting watermelon-pink color from summer to fall. Its unique double-pompom flowers and sturdy, compact habit make it a standout in borders, containers, and mass plantings.

An excellent, long-lasting cut flower for summer bouquets. Its drought tolerance once established makes it a reliable choice for low-water gardens and sunny, hot locations.

While double flowers can be less accessible to some pollinators, coneflowers still attract bees and butterflies. If seed heads are left over winter, they provide a valuable food source for goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

25 inches

Width

20 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerates a wide range

Lifespan

Perennial, 3-5 years

Native To

North America (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend soil with compost to ensure good drainage.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and weekly until established.

Pro Tip

Leave some seed heads standing over winter to provide food for finches and add structural interest.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for best flowering.
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.
Leave some seed heads for winter bird feeding.

Don't

Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Avoid planting in deep shade.
Don't over-fertilize, which can cause weak, floppy growth.
Avoid mulching directly against the plant crown.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant border front accentPollinator-friendly mass plantingExcellent container thriller

Companion Plants

Salvia 'May Night'Pennisetum 'Hameln'Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Perovskia atriplicifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower questions

What zones can Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower grow in?

Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe 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 Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower deer resistant?

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

When does Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower bloom?

Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe 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 Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower need full sun?

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

Is Double Scoop Watermelon Deluxe Coneflower drought tolerant?

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