Frankly Scarlet Coneflower - 72-Cell Plug Tray

Frankly Scarlet is a coneflower with 4-inch, bright scarlet-orange flowers whose petals are held out flat for maximum size. The strong color softens to coral orange as the flowers age.

Plants branch well from the base and reach a little over 2 feet tall above dark green leaves. It blooms from midsummer into late summer, draws pollinators, and leaves seed heads for birds in fall.

What it looks like

An upright, well-branched clump about 26 to 28 inches tall and 16 to 20 inches wide. Leaves are lance-shaped to oval, 3 to 6 inches long, dark green with a coarse, slightly rough texture, forming a dense base with smaller leaves up the sturdy stems. Single daisy-like flowers about 4 inches across have broad ray petals held horizontally in bright scarlet orange, softening to coral orange with age, around a raised, spiny, dark orange-brown cone. At peak bloom the plant carries many flowers at once, held on strong stems well above the leaves.

Growing it with lavender

It thrives in lavender's sunny, well-drained conditions, and its scarlet flowers make a hot contrast with lavender's cool purple.

Care

Plant in full sun to light part shade in average to lean, well-drained soil; it handles heat and dry spells once established and dislikes wet winter soil. Hardy in zones 4-8. Deadhead to extend bloom, but leave some seed heads in fall for winter interest and for finches.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Echinacea
• Flower color: Bright scarlet orange aging to coral orange
• Foliage: Dark green
• Growth habit: Upright, well-branched clump
• Mature size: 26–28 in tall × 16–20 in wide
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Light: full sun, part sun to part shade
• Bloom start: Early-July
• Peak bloom: Late-July
• Bloom pattern: Long Blooming
• Deer resistance: Resistant
• Pollinator value: Excellent

Sizes and shipping

One full 72-cell plug tray: 72 young starter plugs of this variety (cells about 1⅓ in. wide × 2½ in. deep), rooted and ready to pot up into quarts or gallons. Best for growers and nurseries. Potted plants and plug trays ship during our live-plant seasons, March 1–May 31 and October 1–November 30; June through September is local pickup only. Plugs, potted plants and trays do not ship to AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, UT or WA.