Product Description
Echinacea 'Coral Craze' PP31889 (30)ct Flat
EYE-CATCHER® Collection
Common Name: Coneflower
From the Walters Gardens hybridizing program comes a collection that was a long time in the making and will certainly "catch your eye!" These single flowering varieties come in bold colors, better basal branching compared to older genetics, and are fairly compact. These pollinator friendly perennials are a must-have addition to your sun garden!
'Coral Craze' has large, 5" vibrant coral pink flowers mature to lavender pink with wide petals. Dark, near black stems have a matching dark cone. The tallest of the collection.
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: 26.0-28.0 Inches
Spread: 26.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink 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
Imagine a vibrant burst of coral pink in your garden, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its beauty. This is the allure of Echinacea 'Coral Craze', a captivating coneflower that brings a unique charm to any landscape. Coneflowers, known for their cheerful colors and hardiness , have become a staple in gardens, and 'Coral Craze' is a standout variety with its unique coral pink flowers. Echinacea 'Coral Craze' characteristics, growing conditions, care tips, and companion planting suggestions.
Characteristics of Echinacea 'Coral Craze'
- Flowers Echinacea 'Coral Craze' is a perennial that belongs to the Eye Catcher series. It is admired for its profusion of large, fragrant, coral pink flowers that measure around 5 inches across. The flowers have horizontal ray petals and a dark central cone, creating a striking contrast. As the flowers mature, they transition to a lavender-pink hue. The long bloom time, from early to late summer, ensures a lasting display of color in the garden.
- Foliage and Stems The plant has near-black stems and dark green foliage, adding to its visual appeal. The dark stems and cone provide a dramatic backdrop for the vibrant coral pink flowers.
- Size and Hardiness Echinacea 'Coral Craze' typically grows to a height of 26-28 inches with a similar spread. It is a semi-compact variety with excellent branching, contributing to its full and lush appearance. This coneflower is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. For spring planting, it is best suited for zones 3 and 4, while fall planting is recommended for zones 2, 3, and 4.
- Winter Interest Even after the blooming season, Echinacea 'Coral Craze' continues to provide visual interest in the garden. The dried seed heads add a unique texture and architectural element to the winter landscape.
- Attracting Pollinators Echinacea 'Coral Craze' is a pollinator magnet, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its vibrant flowers and rich nectar. This not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also contributes to the health of the local ecosystem.
Growing and Caring for Echinacea 'Coral Craze' Echinacea 'Coral Craze' thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While it can tolerate some shade, it performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers light, loamy soil but is adaptable to various soil types as long as they have good drainage. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant.
The bloom time of Echinacea 'Coral Craze' coincides with the lengthening days of late summer, creating a vibrant display as the seasons transition. Here are some essential care tips for Echinacea 'Coral Craze':
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help establish roots. Once established, water only during prolonged dry periods.
- Soil pH: Echinacea 'Coral Craze' prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
- Fertilizing: Coneflowers generally do not require frequent fertilization. Mulching with compost in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to crown and root rot.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooms and prevent self-seeding. However, leaving some seed heads in the fall provides food for birds and adds winter interest.
- Pruning: Cut back the stems in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This encourages bushier growth and helps maintain the plant's shape.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor.
- Propagation: Echinacea 'Coral Craze' can be propagated by division in spring or fall, or by root cuttings from late fall to early winter. This allows you to expand your Echinacea collection or share this beautiful plant with others.
- Toxicity: While Echinacea is known for its medicinal properties, it is important to note that it can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep this in mind if you have pets that may nibble on plants in your garden.
Pests and Diseases While generally resistant to pests and diseases, Echinacea 'Coral Craze' can be susceptible to certain issues:
- Aster yellows: This disease is caused by a phytoplasma and can result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and deformed flowers.
- Root and crown rot: Overwatering can lead to root and crown rot, especially in poorly drained soil.
- Pests: Keep an eye out for whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and caterpillars.
Uses in the Garden Echinacea 'Coral Craze' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden settings:
- Borders and beds: Its vibrant color and upright habit make it an excellent addition to borders and beds, providing a striking focal point or complementing other perennials.
- Prairies and meadows: As a native plant, it blends seamlessly into prairie and meadow gardens, creating a natural and informal look.
- Cottage gardens: Its cheerful flowers and informal growth habit suit cottage gardens perfectly, adding to the romantic and whimsical ambiance.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers , adding a pop of color to patios and balconies. This makes it suitable for smaller spaces or for adding a touch of nature to urban environments.
- Cut flowers: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for bouquets, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
Companion Plants To enhance the beauty and ecological benefits of your garden, consider planting Echinacea 'Coral Craze' with suitable companion plants. Some recommended companions include:
- Allium 'Millenium': This ornamental onion provides a contrasting purple color and attracts pollinators with its globe-shaped flower heads.
- Astilbe 'Deutschland': This shade-loving perennial adds a touch of elegance with its feathery plumes and thrives in moist soil, complementing the drought tolerance of Echinacea.
- Coreopsis 'Zesty Zinger': This bright yellow flower creates a vibrant contrast with the coral pink of Echinacea and attracts butterflies with its cheerful blooms.
- Hemerocallis 'Marquee Moon': This daylily adds a touch of sophistication with its large, fragrant flowers and complements the long bloom time of Echinacea.
- Origanum 'Drops of Jupiter': This ornamental oregano provides a contrasting texture with its aromatic foliage and attracts pollinators with its delicate flowers.
- Sedum 'Lemonjade': This succulent adds a unique texture and drought tolerance to the garden, complementing the hardiness of Echinacea.
These companion plants not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also create a diverse and thriving ecosystem that supports pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
Echinacea 'Coral Craze' stands out among coneflowers with its unique coral pink blooms and adaptability. Its long bloom time, low-maintenance nature, and versatility make it an ideal choice for various garden settings. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, this vibrant perennial is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space. With its hardiness, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators, Echinacea 'Coral Craze' is a valuable addition to any garden, providing a stunning display of color and contributing to a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
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!
