Echinacea 'Moab Sunset' is a vibrant coneflower cultivar prized for its intense coral pink to sunset orange petals surrounding a prominent bronze cone. Bred for compact size and extended bloom, it delivers bold summer color in a tidy form. Sturdy upright stems make it ideal for cutting gardens, while its long blooming period ensures consistent interest through the warm season. The flowers fade gracefully retaining structure into fall and winter.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; once established, drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant due to coarse foliage and cone texture
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American native Echinacea species, selected for its compact habit and unique coloration. Though not naturally occurring, it retains ecological value for pollinators and birds.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Frequently visited by Painted Ladies, Monarchs, and Great Spangled Fritillaries for its abundant nectar.
Bees
- Supports a wide range of native bees including bumblebees, long horned bees, and sweat bees along with honeybees.
Moths
- Attracts nocturnal moths such as the White Lined Sphinx during dusk pollination hours.
Birds
- Finches, especially American Goldfinches, feed on the seeds in fall and winter often clinging to dried seed heads.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow for upright growth and adequate airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Effective in pollinator gardens, small space borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Maintains structure and color throughout the growing season and into winter.
Companion Plants
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Provides spires of deep purple flowers that contrast dramatically with Echinacea's warm hues.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Offers a similar bloom time and complementary golden tones for a cheerful midsummer display.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' (Anise Hyssop) - Adds vertical interest and fragrant blue flower spikes that attract the same pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Tickseed) - A fine textured yellow blooming perennial that adds vibrant low mounding contrast to coneflowers.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Sends up purple flower spikes that provide height and attract butterflies and bees.