Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Firefinch® Coneflower: Short, Warm-Red Daisies to Edge Lavender
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Firefinch® coneflower is a short coneflower with single, daisy-like flowers about 3½ inches across. The broad petals are held out flat around a raised, spiny, dark orange-brown cone, in shades from reddish orange to pinkish red. Each plant varies a little in color, so a group gives a warm, lively mix rather than a single flat tone.
At just 12 to 16 inches tall, it fits the front of a border, small gardens and containers, and it blooms nearly all summer, right up to frost. It likes lavender's full sun and lean soil, which makes it an easy edging partner.
Firefinch at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Echinacea Firefinch® |
| Flowers | Reddish orange to pinkish red, about 3½ inches |
| Bloom | Starts late June, peaks late July, continues toward frost |
| Size | 12 to 16 inches tall, 16 to 18 inches wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; deer resistant |
| Cut and dried | Good for both |
A warm edge for a cool bed
Most coneflowers are too tall to sit in front of lavender without hiding it. Firefinch is the exception. Its compact clump stays below most lavenders, so a row along the bed edge frames the purple spikes instead of competing with them. The reddish orange and coral-red tones are a strong contrast to lavender, a bit like a sunset next to a twilight sky.
It also extends the show. Firefinch starts in late June with the lavender, then keeps going long after harvest. Plant it in drifts of three to five, leaving air space next to each lavender crown. Lay it out in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Timing: plant by late summer so roots establish before winter.
- Soil: average to lean, well-drained. Wet winter soil is the main reason hybrid coneflowers fail.
- Water: regular the first season, then it handles heat and dry spells.
- Deadheading: cut spent flowers back to a side bud to keep new blooms coming.
- Fall: leave stems and some seed heads standing over winter, and avoid heavy mulch over the crown.
- Watch for: aster yellows, which causes distorted green flowers. Remove affected plants.
Containers, cutting and birds
Firefinch is compact enough for a patio pot, where it pairs nicely with a container lavender in a fast-draining mix. Its flowers are good for cutting and drying. Late in the season, let a few flowers form seed heads; finches will find them, which seems only fair given the name.
About the plug tray
Firefinch is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for growers and for edging long lavender beds. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my plants look slightly different colors?
That is normal for Firefinch. Each plant varies a little between reddish orange and pinkish red, which gives a warm mix in a group.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes. Its single flowers with open cones are excellent for bees and butterflies.
Does it survive Michigan winters?
Yes, in well-drained soil. It is rated for zones 4 to 8.
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