Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Coral Craze Coneflower: Coral Blooms That Fade to Lavender Pink
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Coral Craze coneflower opens big, 5-inch flowers in vibrant coral pink, with wide, flat petals held nearly horizontal around a near-black cone on dark stems. As the flowers age, the coral softens to lavender pink, so a single plant carries both shades at once.
That fade is what makes it such a good lavender companion. It starts bold and warm, then drifts toward the same soft purple tones as the lavender beside it.
Coral Craze at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Echinacea 'Coral Craze' |
| Flowers | About 5 inches, coral pink maturing to lavender pink, near-black cone |
| Foliage | Dark green, coarse-textured |
| Size | 26 to 28 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks late July, continues into late summer |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators and butterflies; deer resistant |
Why it pairs with lavender
Coral Craze and lavender share the same basic needs: sun, good drainage and no soggy winters. The coneflower's dark stems and near-black cones add strong lines next to lavender's soft gray mounds, and its flowers carry the color story forward. Lavender peaks in early summer; Coral Craze opens in early July and peaks in late July, so the bed shifts from purple to coral to lavender pink as the season moves along.
At a little over two feet, it fits right behind most English lavenders. Its good branching from the base gives it a fairly compact, full shape. Plan a sweep of three to five in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Timing: plant by late summer so roots settle in before winter.
- Soil: average to lean and well-drained. Wet winter soil is the main cause of loss for hybrid coneflowers.
- Water: regular the first season, then it handles heat and dry spells.
- Deadheading: cut spent flowers back to a side bud for more blooms.
- Watch for: aster yellows, which causes distorted green flowers. Remove affected plants.
- Winter: leave the stems standing and keep heavy mulch off the crown.
Cutting, drying and the birds
Coral Craze is a good cut flower and dries well. Cut stems when the petals are fully open, and pair them with fresh or dried lavender for a bouquet that repeats the color fade. The flowers have a faint, lightly sweet, honey-like scent. In fall, leave the last flowers to ripen; finches enjoy the seed heads, and the dark cones look handsome in winter.
About the plug tray
Coral Craze is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for drifts and cutting gardens. See the product page for current availability, or visit the Wholesale Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my coral flowers turning purple-pink?
That is the plant's natural aging. Coral Craze opens coral pink and matures to lavender pink.
Why did the color fade fast in July?
Coneflower color is richest in moderate temperatures and can fade faster in a heat wave.
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