perennialN. America Native

Kismet Red Coneflower

The Story

Plant Bio

Echinacea is a cornerstone of the American prairie garden, valued for its resilience, bold flowers, and immense benefit to wildlife.

A member of the Kismet series, 'Kismet Red' is a top performer, offering a compact habit, excellent branching, and a very long season of vibrant, non-fading red flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

The rich, velvety red flowers provide a powerful punch of color in the summer and fall garden. Its sturdy, compact form makes it an excellent, well-behaved addition to any sunny border or container.

This is a low-maintenance, high-reward perennial that is drought tolerant once established. The flowers are long-lasting in vases, making them a great choice for a cutting garden.

Echinacea is a vital food source for pollinators. Bees and butterflies flock to the nectar-rich flowers, and in autumn, goldfinches and other birds relish the nutritious seeds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

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 site that gets sun for most of the day.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; coneflowers hate wet feet.
Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's pot.
Set the plant in the hole with its crown at soil level.
Backfill with the native soil and water it in well.
Water regularly for the first season, then only in drought.

Pro Tip

For the best performance and longevity, avoid rich soils and fertilizers; this prairie native thrives in average to lean conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun.
Ensure excellent drainage.
Deadhead to prolong blooming.
Leave seed heads for winter interest and bird food.

Don't

Don't overwater.
Don't plant in soggy soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization.
Don't bury the plant's crown with mulch.

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

Bold statement in perennial bordersLong-lasting color for container gardensReliable choice for prairie-style mass plantings

Companion Plants

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'Gaura lindheimeri Bouteloua gracilis Achillea 'Coronation Gold'Eryngium yuccifolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kismet Red Coneflower questions

What zones can Kismet Red Coneflower grow in?

Kismet Red 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 Kismet Red Coneflower deer resistant?

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

When does Kismet Red Coneflower bloom?

Kismet Red 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 Kismet Red Coneflower need full sun?

Kismet Red Coneflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Kismet Red Coneflower drought tolerant?

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