Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’

Description

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ is a compact, hardy coneflower with bright orange petals and a central reddish-brown cone. It grows to 50cm tall with a 40cm spread and blooms from July to September, attracting bees and butterflies. Ideal for borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly gardens.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Echinacea is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish firmly before the blooming season, giving you a robust, healthy plant.
• Autumn: Early autumn is also suitable for planting, as it allows the plant to settle before dormancy, supporting stronger growth the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ thrives in full sun for optimal flower production. Partial shade is tolerated, but full sun encourages stronger stems and more blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Echinacea. Avoid waterlogged areas, and enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to promote healthy growth and flowering.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball for Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’. This ensures room for root expansion.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil. Nutrient-rich soil supports vigorous growth and vibrant blooms for Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’.
3. Planting: Position the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the 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 proper drainage to prevent root rot for Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Echinacea is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ requires minimal moisture during dormancy.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ a strong start for the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer supports prolonged flowering and helps maintain healthy, vibrant blooms.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continued bloom and keep Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut stems back to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy and encourage stronger growth next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Supporting the Plant

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ has sturdy stems and a compact habit, so staking is usually unnecessary. In windy spots, light staking may help protect the stems.

Final Tips

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Clementine’ is a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly perennial that adds vibrant colour to gardens. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil and following this care routine, you can enjoy a long-lasting display of bright orange blooms from July to September. Incorporate this Echinacea into borders, containers, or pollinator gardens for a splash of colour and wildlife-friendly benefits.

RHS Details

See more Echinacea from Proctors