Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' is a compact floriferous coneflower cultivar known for its soft glowing coral pink flowers that deepen to a rich rose as they mature. Its upright clump forming habit and prolonged bloom time make it a showy highlight in sunny borders and pollinator gardens. The plant’s strong stems resist flopping and its blooms transition beautifully into seed heads that persist into winter.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to dry soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
While not a true species plant, 'Rainbow Marcella' is a cultivated hybrid of North American native coneflowers and retains their ecological value in designed landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Painted Lady, Great Spangled Fritillary, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail throughout its long bloom period.
Bees
- Supports native bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees that gather pollen and nectar from its prominent cone shaped centers.
Moths
- Evening bloom activity attracts nocturnal pollinators such as Sphinx moths and owlet moths in late summer.
Birds
- Songbirds such as American Goldfinches and Purple Finches feed on the seed heads in late fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for air circulation and full flower display without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent in perennial borders, butterfly gardens, small pollinator meadows, and mixed containers. Adds color from early summer through frost with minimal care.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - A fine textured bright yellow bloomer that complements coneflower tones while thriving in the same dry sunny spots.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Features deep violet flower spikes that contrast with Echinacea’s warm pink blooms and attract complementary pollinators.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' - Provides fragrant silver foliage and rich purple blooms that enhance coneflower groupings in hot dry beds.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Offers vibrant golden yellow blooms in midsummer that mirror Echinacea’s shape and balance the color palette.
- Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) - Draws in bees and butterflies with licorice scented foliage and lavender flowers extending the pollinator support season.