Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower

The Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower boasts a myriad of attributes that make it a standout selection for garden enthusiasts. This Echinacea hybrid, known for its dazzling scarlet orange flowers, presents a vivid display above its lush, dark green leaves. The plant reaches a garden height of 26 to 28 inches, with a spread of 16 to 20 inches, fitting neatly into a variety of garden designs as a medium-height perennial. Its upright habit is ideal for creating visual interest in borders, container gardens, or as part of mass plantings, where its striking color can truly shine.

This coneflower is not just a feast for the eyes; it also plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. Its fragrant flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, contributing to pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem. Additionally, the plant demonstrates a strong resistance to deer, making it a practical choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing can be a problem. Beyond its allure to beneficial insects and its resistance to common garden pests, the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower is recognized for its adaptability. It is hardy in zones 4 through 8, indicating its ability to thrive in a wide range of climatic conditions.

The Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower (Echinacea hybrid) is versatile in landscaping applications, making it an excellent choice for various garden styles and uses. Here are some of the primary landscaping uses for this vibrant perennial:

• Perennial Borders: Its striking scarlet orange flowers and upright habit make it a standout in perennial borders, offering a splash of color from mid-summer to late summer.
• Wildlife Gardens: This plant is an excellent addition to wildlife gardens. Its fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination and biodiversity. The seeds left on spent flowers during winter can also attract birds, adding life and activity to the garden in the colder months.
• Container Gardening: With its medium height and upright habit, the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower is suitable for container gardening, acting as a 'thriller' component that adds vertical interest and vibrant color to mixed plantings.
• Mass Planting: For a bold display of color, consider mass planting this coneflower. Its bright flowers and dark green foliage create a visually striking effect when planted in large numbers.
• Cut Flower Gardens: The flowers not only add beauty to the landscape but are also excellent for cutting, bringing the garden's beauty indoors. They can be used in fresh bouquets or dried for longer-lasting arrangements.
• Drought-Tolerant Landscapes: Once established, the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower is drought tolerant, making it a smart choice for xeric and water-wise gardens that require minimal supplemental watering.
• Naturalistic and Cottage Gardens: This coneflower fits well into naturalistic and cottage garden designs, where its bold colors and attractive to wildlife contribute to a relaxed, informal garden aesthetic.
• Erosion Control: While not its primary use, the root system of perennials like the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.

By incorporating the Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower into your garden or landscape, you can enjoy not only the aesthetic benefits of its bright, eye-catching flowers but also contribute to the local ecosystem by supporting pollinators and wildlife. Its versatility, ease of care, and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to combine beauty with sustainability.

Planting and caring for the Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower (Echinacea hybrid) is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here's how to ensure your 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower thrives in your garden:

Planting Instructions:

1. Timing: Plant in the spring or early fall to allow the plant time to establish before the extremes of winter or summer. Ensure the risk of frost has passed if planting in spring.
2. Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to part sun. While the plant can tolerate light shade, it blooms best with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
3. Soil: This coneflower is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers well-drained soil. It can grow in average, fertile, or even poor soils, and is tolerant of acidic, alkaline, or neutral pH levels.
4. Planting: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.

Care and Maintenance:

• Watering: Water the plant deeply and regularly during its first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower is drought-tolerant, requiring occasional watering, with more frequent watering needed in extreme heat or if planted in containers.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support vigorous growth and blooming. However, avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer. In late fall or early winter, you can choose to leave the spent blooms on the plant to provide winter interest and food for birds or trim back the plant to keep the area tidy.
• Winter Care: In zones 4 through 8, the 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower should be hardy enough to survive the winter without special protection. In the colder end of its range, a layer of mulch can provide additional insulation.
• Pest and Disease Management: This plant is relatively pest-resistant but watch for common garden pests like aphids and echinacea leaf miners. Good air circulation and proper watering practices can help prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

By following these planting and care instructions, your Color Coded® 'Frankly Scarlet' Coneflower should thrive, providing vibrant color and attracting wildlife to your garden for many seasons.