Big Sky™ Sundown Echinacea Plant

The Big Sky™ Sundown Echinacea Plant is one of the newer selections, just released in 2006! This fragrant Coneflower has blooms up to 6-inches wide, proudly showing off its warm-colored, russet-orange petals and quite prominent deep brownish-orange cone, just a couple of the colors of a beautiful Wyoming sunset. The fragrance has been compared to roses, though a bit lighter. This heat tolerant plant attracts butterflies and bees!

Our Echinacea Plants are grown with care and without harmful pesticides, making them a safe and beneficial addition to your garden. Guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to thrive!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring or fall for best results
• - Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• - Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates poor or sandy soils

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly until established, allowing soil to dry out between waterings
• - Once mature, Echinacea is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil fertility is low
• - Excessive fertilizing can lead to leggy growth; minimal feeding is best

Pruning and Training:

• - Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, but leave some seed heads for winter interest and wildlife
• - Cut back in late fall or early spring to clean up old growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Echinacea is generally pest and disease resistant, but occasionally monitor for aphids or leaf miners
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent any fungal issues

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from midsummer to early fall with large, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, tolerates light frost and heat

Companion Plants for Echinacea:

• - Rudbeckia: Complements Echinacea’s bright blooms with yellow daisy-like flowers
• - Salvia: Adds vertical spikes of blue or purple that pair well with Echinacea’s bold colors
• - Penstemon: Provides a contrasting texture with its tubular blooms
• - Lavender: Offers a fragrant, drought-tolerant partner that blends beautifully with Echinacea
• - Achillea: Pairs well with Echinacea’s bright flowers while attracting pollinators