Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’

Description

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ is an extremely floriferous coneflower with a compact, well-branched habit. It produces vibrant purple-pink, non-fading flowers from June to September, attracting bees and butterflies. Growing to 40cm in height with a 30cm spread, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for garden beds, borders, or containers.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish firmly before flowering, ensuring a strong, healthy plant.
• Autumn: You can also plant Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ in early autumn to let it settle before winter dormancy, promoting robust growth in the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum flower production.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil as Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter 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 provide space for roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost into the soil to improve nutrient content and drainage, giving Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ the best start.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help the roots establish and settle the soil.

Watering Requirements

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

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage strong new growth and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can extend flowering and maintain vigour throughout the blooming period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong blooming and encourage more flowers.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ back to ground level to prepare for dormancy and promote healthier growth next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Add mulch in winter to protect roots from cold and prevent frost heaving.

Supporting the Plant

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ has a compact and sturdy habit, so staking is rarely needed. However, in exposed areas, consider staking to protect the plant from strong winds.

Final Tips

Echinacea ‘Sunseekers Purplelicious’ is a low-maintenance, floriferous perennial that adds vibrant colour to any garden. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and follow this care routine to enjoy long-lasting blooms from June to September. Its compact habit and bright, non-fading purple-pink flowers make it ideal for borders, beds, and containers, while attracting pollinators to your garden.

RHS Details

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