perennialN. America Native

Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower

Echinacea 'Pixie Meadowbrite'

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea are iconic North American prairie wildflowers, valued for their distinctive cone-centered, daisy-like flowers, heat and drought tolerance, and attractiveness to pollinators.

'Pixie Meadowbrite' is a compact hybrid from the Chicago Botanic Garden, notable for its fragrant, bright pink, non-drooping petals and sturdy, well-branched habit. It is a cross between E. purpurea and the rare E. tennesseensis.

Uses & Benefits:

'Pixie Meadowbrite' offers a cheerful display of fragrant, bright pink flowers on a compact, manageable plant. Its non-drooping petals give it a perky appearance, making it a standout in the front of borders, in cottage gardens, and in containers.

Its smaller stature and sturdy stems mean it requires no staking. As a tough, drought-tolerant perennial, it's a low-maintenance choice for sunny gardens and provides beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers.

Like all coneflowers, it is a vital resource for wildlife. The flowers provide nectar for a wide array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and the cones produce seeds that are a favorite food of American Goldfinches in the fall and winter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America (parent species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 6 hours of sun and good drainage.
Amend heavy soil with compost to improve its structure.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
Set the plant in the hole so its crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil, press firmly, and water in well.
Water regularly for the first season until the plant is established.

Pro Tip

This hybrid appreciates slightly more moisture than other coneflowers but still demands well-drained soil, especially through winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the sturdiest growth and most flowers.
Water during extended dry periods, even once established.
Leave seed heads for winter interest and to feed goldfinches.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.
Avoid deep shade, which will lead to weak stems and poor flowering.
Don't over-fertilize; coneflowers prefer leaner soil.
Avoid cutting back the plant in the fall.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact front-of-border perennialFragrant addition to cutting gardensCheery container specimen

Companion Plants

Liatris spicata Monarda didyma Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm'Phlox paniculata 'David'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower questions

What zones can Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower grow in?

Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid 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 Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower deer resistant?

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

When does Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower bloom?

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

Does Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower need full sun?

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

Is Pixie Meadowbrite Hybrid Coneflower drought tolerant?

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