SCIENTIFIC NAME: Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top'

COMMON NAME: Rocky Top Tennessee Coneflower

GARDEN SIZE: 24-30 inches tall x 18-24 inches wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5-8

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

WATER & SOIL: Prefers well-drained soil with average to dry moisture and tolerates rocky, shallow, and clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, compact

LIFE CYCLE: Perennial

FOLIAGE: Green

FLOWERS: Pink petals, near black cones. Blooms June to August.

PLANT ORIGIN: Tennessee

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Provides abundant nectar and pollen for local pollinators and other beneficial insects. While offering limited larval host value, seed heads feed goldfinches and other birds into fall and winter.

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, meadows, prairies, cut flowers, containers (but use in containers voids the limited one-year warranty)