Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’

Description

Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ is a striking perennial coneflower with large, vibrant pink daisy-like flowerheads atop stout stems. Growing to 80cm tall with a 60cm spread, it blooms from July to September and attracts bees and butterflies. Ideal for full sun and well-drained soil, this hardy perennial adds long-lasting colour to garden borders or containers.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ in spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the flowering season, ensuring a strong, healthy plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn planting allows your Echinacea to settle before dormancy, promoting vigorous growth and earlier blooms the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Echinacea thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Choose a spot receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimum flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’. Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve fertility and drainage, as this plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth of the root ball to provide space for roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in compost to enrich the soil. Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, supporting vigorous growth and abundant flowers.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Echinacea is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry periods, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during dormancy, only adding water if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy new growth and flower production in Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer encourages continued blooming and maintains plant vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming, keep the plant tidy, and encourage new flower production in Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final blooms fade, cut back stems to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and healthier growth in the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials such as bark or compost work best.

Supporting the Plant

• Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ has sturdy stems and typically does not require staking. In exposed or windy areas, staking may be necessary to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds long-lasting vibrant colour to garden borders, beds, or containers. By planting in full sun with well-drained soil and following these care tips, this Echinacea ‘Fatal Attraction’ will reward you with continuous blooms throughout summer, attracting pollinators and enhancing your outdoor space.

RHS Details

See more Echinacea from Proctors