SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea 'Tomato Soup'

COMMON NAME: Tomato Soup Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 22 inches tall x 32 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 4 - 9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil and has average water requirements. Does well in rain gardens.

HABIT (FORM): Mounding, well-branched

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Warm, tomato-red flowers up to 6 inches wide

PLANT ORIGIN: hybrid of Echinacea paradoxa and Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Giant' (paradox is native to the east of Tennessee, but not actually in Tennessee)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Supports local bees, lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), and birds (especially finches).

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: Not generally considered toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. Always research further if you have concerns, as reactions can occur with anything.

USES: Borders, containers, meadows, prairies, rain gardens. Cut flowers.