Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’

Description

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ is an extremely floriferous perennial with a well-branched habit. Its flowers transition from pale-yellow to shades of salmon-pink and pastel-orange, creating a stunning rainbow effect from June to September. Growing to a height of 60cm with a 40cm spread, this hardy coneflower attracts bees and butterflies and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows roots to establish before the peak flowering season, resulting in a healthy, vigorous plant.
• Autumn: Early autumn is also suitable, giving the plant time to settle before dormancy and encouraging stronger growth for the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote abundant flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to give Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ room to grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the planting area to enhance soil structure and nutrition.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the roots establish. Ensure the area drains well.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering during dormancy. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and prepare Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ for flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light summer feed encourages continuous blooming throughout the season.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to promote prolonged flowering and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms, cut back Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ to ground level to prepare for dormancy and encourage healthy regrowth.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulching helps protect roots from cold temperatures and frost heaving, ensuring the plant survives until the next season.

Supporting the Plant

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ has sturdy stems and generally does not require staking. In exposed or windy locations, consider light support to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Rainbow’ is a low-maintenance, vibrant perennial that adds seasonal interest to any garden. By planting in full sun, providing well-drained soil, and following this care routine, your coneflower will reward you with a long-lasting display from June to September while attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

RHS Details

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