Product Description
Echinacea SOMBRERO® LEMON YELLOW IMPROVED ('Balsomemyim' PP30116 US7,982,110) (30)ct Flat
SOMBRERO® Series
Common Name: Coneflower
SOMBRERO® Echinaceas are evenly matched for habit and timing, making them a breeze in production. They are all very well-branched, sturdy plants that bulk up quickly, do not require vernalization to bloom, and are loaded with buds for a vibrant show of color.
The SOMBRERO® Coneflowers have been some of the most popular varieties that we've offered, and now Darwin Perennials has introduced an improvement on the yellow color. Compared to the original, this variety has wider, overlapping petals and a more compact habit. Rich yellow flowers with a copper cone are produced on very well-branched, sturdy plants. This bulks up quickly and does not require vernalization to bloom.
Praised for their cheerful brightly colored flowers, coneflowers are a mainstay in today's garden. Be sure to leave some spent blooms on the plants in the fall because their seeds provide winter food for finches and other birds. The dried seed heads also provide architectural interest in the winter.
Coneflowers like it sunny and hot. Though they will tolerate light shade, fewer flowers will be produced, and the plants will be weakened. Light, loamy soils are best, but coneflowers will grow in any well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant. If properly cared for, they will form attractive colonies and will live for many years.
Height: 18.0-22.0 Inches
Spread: 22.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early to Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Songbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
A Shining Star in the Garden
Echinacea, affectionately known as coneflower, is a North American native wildflower that brightens any garden with its cheerful blooms and attracts a flurry of pollinators. Among the many varieties, the Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved shines with its radiant golden-yellow flowers and compact, manageable size. In this guide, we will explore the captivating world of this coneflower, from its origins and characteristics to its potential health benefits and how to cultivate it successfully in your own garden.
Echinacea: A Diverse and Beloved Wildflower
Echinacea belongs to the daisy family and is native to the prairies and open woodlands of eastern and central North America. The name "coneflower" stems from the prominent, spiny cone-shaped center of the flower head, which is encircled by delicate petals. While traditionally known for its pink and purple hues, newer varieties have expanded the coneflower palette to include a vibrant array of colors, such as orange, green, peach, and coral.
Coneflowers are generally adaptable plants, but it is important to note that some varieties have specific needs. For instance, those with thinner, more delicate leaves may be more sensitive to drainage conditions. They are known to thrive in a variety of soil types and are relatively drought-tolerant once established. One fascinating characteristic of coneflowers is their ability to self-seed and spread naturally, adding a touch of wildness and effortless beauty to the garden. However, if you prefer to control their spread, you can simply deadhead the flowers after they fade.
A Spectrum of Coneflower Varieties
The world of Echinacea offers a diverse range of options for gardeners. Here are a few notable varieties:
Classic Coneflowers:
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus': This classic cultivar features rosy pink, horizontal petals and is a reliable bloomer.
- Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan': A timeless choice with pure white flowers that create a sense of elegance in the garden.
Compact Beauties:
- Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow' series: This series offers compact plants with abundant blooms in white or rich pink, making them ideal for smaller spaces or containers.
- Echinacea Sombrero® Series: This series is known for its compact, well-branched plants and a wide range of flower colors, including shades of red, coral, orange, and yellow.
Vibrant Mixes:
- Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit': This seed-propagated variety produces a captivating mix of flower colors, including red, orange, and yellow, adding a dynamic element to the garden.
Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved: A Burst of Sunshine
The Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved is a true standout in the coneflower world. This vibrant perennial is a profusion of rich golden-yellow flowers, each adorned with a skirt of wide, overlapping petals that gently droop around a copper central cone. It is an improved version of the original Sombrero® Lemon Yellow, boasting wider petals and a more compact habit, making it even easier to grow and incorporate into various garden settings.
- Habit: Compact, growing up to 18-22 inches tall and 22-24 inches wide
- Stems: Sturdy, well-branched, and upright, providing excellent support for the numerous flowers
- Bloom Time: Early bloomer, with a vibrant floral display from early to late summer, and often continues with sporadic blooms until frost
- Fragrance: Pleasant fragrance
- Pollinator Appeal: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
- Wildlife Benefits: Dried seed heads provide winter food for birds and add architectural interest to the garden
- Deer Resistance: Unbothered by deer
This coneflower is a true gem for small gardens and containers, offering a long-lasting burst of sunshine throughout the summer months. Its compact size and vibrant color make it a versatile addition to borders, meadows, wildflower gardens, or even as a cheerful accent in a cottage garden.
Growing and Caring for Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved This cheerful coneflower is a joy to grow, even for those new to gardening. Here is how to ensure it thrives in your garden:
Planting
- Sunlight: Provide a sunny spot, although it can tolerate some light shade. Keep in mind that coneflowers generally produce fewer flowers and may be less vigorous in shadier conditions.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is ideal, but this adaptable plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
Care
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is poor, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to root and crown rot and weaken the plant.
- Pruning: To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, cut back the plant by about one-third in midsummer. In the fall, cut back the plant to the ground to prepare it for winter.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. However, be sure to leave some seed heads in the fall to provide food for birds and add visual interest to the winter garden.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved is generally pest and disease resistant, including being rabbit resistant. However, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and address them promptly.
One of the remarkable qualities of the Sombrero® series, including the Lemon Yellow Improved, is that they are evenly matched for habit and timing, making them exceptionally easy to grow and maintain. They bulk up quickly and do not require vernalization (a period of cold exposure) to bloom, making them a reliable choice for gardeners of all levels.
Companion Plants for a Harmonious Garden To create a visually stunning and ecologically balanced garden, consider pairing Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved with companion plants that complement its vibrant color and growth habit. Here are a few suggestions:
- Agastache 'Mango Tango': The fiery orange hues of this hyssop variety create a striking contrast with the lemon yellow coneflower.
- Hemerocallis 'Jolyene Nichole': The soft peach tones of this daylily variety blend beautifully with the coneflower's yellow blooms.
- Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace': The airy blue flowers of Russian sage provide a cool counterpoint to the warm yellow of the coneflower.
- Sedum 'Popstar': The pink flowers of this stonecrop add a touch of whimsy and extend the blooming season.
Embrace the Sunshine
Echinacea Sombrero® Lemon Yellow Improved is a true garden treasure. Its vibrant yellow flowers, compact habit, and long blooming period make it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for any garden. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this coneflower is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.
Remember to provide it with a sunny spot and well-drained soil, water regularly during its first growing season, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. With a little care, you can enjoy its cheerful blooms for years to come and create a haven for pollinators in your garden.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
