SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea purpurea 'Mellow Yellows'

COMMON NAME: Mellow Yellows Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 30 inches tall by 12-18 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 4-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun (6 or more hours of sun per day)

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has average water requirements.

HABIT (FORM): Upright

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial; capable of producing viable seed and freely self-seeding when seed heads are retained. Seedlings may vary and should not be expected to remain true to the original cultivar

FOLIAGE: Medium green, hairy, lance-shaped leaves with serrated margins

FLOWERS: Single; blooms open in rich mango tones and transition through golden and canary yellow to creamy pale yellow, creating multiple shades on one plant; blooms from early summer into fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to eastern North America, including Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May help to support pollinators and birds (especially finches), but the unusual bloom color is very different from the naturally occurring flower, and may be less adapted for and usable by our local pollinators.

FERTILIZING: Give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring. Leave the seedheads in place over the fall and winter to support wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses. As with any plant, consuming large quantities may cause mild digestive upset.

USES: Borders, meadows, prairies, rain gardens, cut flowers, containers (please note that use in containers voids the limited one-year warranty)