Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’
Echinacea x hybrida ‘Cheyenne Spirit’
Characteristics
- Type: Perennial
- Zone: 4 – 9
- Height: 24 – 30 Inches
- Spread: 18 – 20 Inches
- Blooms: June to August
- Blooms: White, Cream, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow or Purple Ray Flowers with Brown Disk Cone
- Sun: Full Sun – Part Shade
- Water: Dry – Medium
- Maintenance: Low
- Suggested Use: Naturalize
- Flower: Showy, Good Cut
- Attracts: Birds, Butterflies
- Tolerates: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ is easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, yet it does best in full sun. This is an adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded (about every 4 years). Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ plants rebloom well without deadheading, however prompt removal of spent flowers encourages continued bloom and improves general appearance.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Echinacea is a genus of seven species all endemic to eastern and central North America. Coneflowers bloom from June to August with some sporadic later bloom. Attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Good fresh cut or dried flower. The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter, and if flower heads are not removed, the blackened cones may be visited by goldfinches or other birds that feed on the seeds.
‘Cheyenne Spirit’ was introduced in 2012. It is a well-branched, sturdy coneflower that won the 2013 AAS (All-America Selections®) award and Europe’s FleuroSelect Gold Medal award for garden performance. It flowers the first year in a wide range of bloom colors, including purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, cream or white ray flowers with a brown cone. It grows 2 to 2.5 ft. tall and 1 to 2 ft. wide.
Problems
Susceptible to aster yellows disease and eriophyid mites. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Garden Uses
Border fronts, rock gardens or part shade areas of open woodland gardens. Best in groups or massed. Attractive specimen/accent.