Echinacea purpurea 'Matthew Saul'
perennialN. America Native

Tomato Soup Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Matthew Saul'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea purpurea 'Matthew Saul' is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring daisy-like flowers with prominent orange-red petals and a central cone, complemented by its upright, clump-forming growth habit and coarse, green foliage.

This cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, warm-toned flowers that attract pollinators and its robust drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for perennial borders and pollinator gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, daisy-like flowers attract pollinators, adding vibrant color to gardens.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and low-maintenance, suitable for sustainable landscapes.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees, butterflies, and birds, enhancing biodiversity.
SpeciesEchinacea purpureaPurple Coneflower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly to keep soil moist during germination.
  3. Transplant seedlings after 6 weeks of growth into full sun.
  4. Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer.
  5. Divide clumps every 3 years in early spring for best growth.
  6. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-draining soil and full sun for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Divide every 3 years to maintain vigor

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don't fertilize excessively—too much nitrogen reduces flowering
  • Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful perennial borderWildflower meadow accentPollinator-friendly garden edge

Companion Plants

Black-eyed Susan Lavender CoreopsisRussian Sage Yarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tomato Soup Coneflower questions

What zones can Tomato Soup Coneflower grow in?

Tomato Soup Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tomato Soup Coneflower deer resistant?

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

When does Tomato Soup Coneflower bloom?

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

Does Tomato Soup Coneflower need full sun?

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

Is Tomato Soup Coneflower drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Tomato Soup 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.