Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’

Description

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ is a compact perennial with a branching habit and delicate soft blush-pink blooms that brighten gardens from July to September. With a height of 50cm and a spread of 40cm, it’s an excellent choice for borders, wildlife gardens, or containers, attracting bees and butterflies while thriving in sunny conditions.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ is in spring as the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish strongly before flowering begins.
• Autumn: Alternatively, planting in early autumn gives the plant time to settle before its resting season, ensuring robust growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun, as Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ requires at least six hours of direct light daily for best blooms.
• Soil: Plant in well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter such as compost will enhance soil structure and promote healthy root development.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the planting area.
3. Planting: Place Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ in the hole so the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill and firm the soil gently.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage strong root growth.

Watering Requirements

• During Growth: Once established, Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ is drought-tolerant, requiring water only during extended dry spells. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly in the plant’s resting period, only watering if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser at the start of the growing season to encourage vigorous new shoots.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed during flowering helps extend the blooming season of Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: At the end of the flowering season, cut stems back to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Supporting the Plant

Due to its compact habit, Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ generally doesn’t require staking. However, in exposed or windy sites, light support may be beneficial.

Final Tips

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Blush’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that adds soft elegance to borders and pollinator-friendly gardens. By planting it in sunny, well-drained soil and following this guide, you’ll enjoy long-lasting blush-pink blooms and reliable performance year after year.

RHS Details

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