Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’

Description

Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ is a striking perennial with sturdy stems and bold daisy-like blooms that shift through shades of red to deep pink. Known for its reliability and ability to attract pollinators, this hardy coneflower makes a fantastic addition to borders, wildlife gardens, and cut flower arrangements. Follow this detailed guide to help your Echinacea thrive.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ is in spring, once the soil begins to warm. This ensures the roots have plenty of time to establish before flowering begins.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to give the roots time to settle before dormancy. This helps the plant get off to a strong start the following growing season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Echinacea grows best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct light each day. This encourages strong growth and abundant flowers.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil for planting. Incorporating compost or organic matter will enrich the soil, improve drainage, and support vigorous flowering.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in organic compost to boost soil fertility and structure.
3. Planting: Position the plant so that the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill carefully, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish, ensuring good drainage.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Echinacea is drought-tolerant. Water only during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly. The plant requires minimal moisture when not actively growing.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy new growth and flower production.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding during the flowering season will encourage prolonged blooms and keep Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ looking vibrant.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to prolong the flowering season and encourage fresh blooms.
• Autumn Cut-Back: After flowering has finished, cut the stems back to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply organic mulch around the base of Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulching in winter offers extra root protection and ensures the plant remains healthy for the next season.

Supporting the Plant

Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ generally has sturdy stems that resist flopping, even in breezy conditions. However, in exposed areas, staking may be beneficial.

Final Tips

Echinacea purpurea ‘Red Rocket’ is a low-maintenance perennial that provides long-lasting colour and structure in the garden. With its vibrant blooms and pollinator-friendly nature, it is perfect for wildlife gardens, borders, and cutting for indoor arrangements. By planting in full sun, providing well-drained soil, and following these simple care steps, your Echinacea will reward you with dazzling flowers from mid-summer to early autumn.

 

RHS Details

See more Echinacea from Proctors