Hula Dancer Pale Purple Coneflower

Hula Dancer Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida 'Hula Dancer')

Hula Dancer Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida 'Hula Dancer') is a prairie native selection celebrated for its distinctive, gracefully drooping pale rose pink petals that swirl around a prominent copper cone. Blooming in early to mid summer and often repeating into late season, this drought tough pollinator magnet brings airy motion, fine texture, and dependable color to sunny borders, meadows, and naturalistic plantings.

Distinctive Features

Long, narrow ray petals reflex dramatically for a �dancing� look, showcasing the raised cone and inviting close up interest. Slender, dark stems and finely toothed foliage create a light, see through habit that pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses. Nectar rich daisies draw bees and butterflies in summer; seed filled cones feed finches through fall and add sculptural winter texture.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and sturdy stems.
• Soil: Well drained soils from sandy to loam; tolerates light clay if drainage is good.
• Water: Low to moderate; deep taproot offers excellent drought tolerance once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Elegant, drooping petals and bold cones create a striking prairie accent.
• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable nectar source for bees and butterflies; seed for songbirds.
• Meadow & Naturalistic Designs: Blends seamlessly with grasses, rudbeckias, and salvias.
• Cut Flowers: Unique form and strong stems for modern, airy arrangements.
• Xeriscapes: Thrives in sunny, low water plantings once established.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water to establish, then water deeply but infrequently; avoid persistently wet soils.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering; leave late cones for birds.
• Fertilizing: Minimal needs; a light spring compost topdress is sufficient.
• Staking: Not required; naturally upright stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Why Choose Hula Dancer Pale Purple Coneflower?

• Signature Silhouette: Dramatically drooping petals offer motion and elegance.
• Extended Interest: Summer bloom, fall seed heads, and winter structure.
• Tough Performer: Heat and drought tolerant with a durable taproot.
• Wildlife Friendly: Supports pollinators and provides natural bird seed.
• Design Versatility: Light, see through habit complements grasses and perennials.

Echinacea pallida 'Hula Dancer' delivers a graceful prairie aesthetic with long lasting ecological value, pairing distinctive, dancing blooms with sturdy, low maintenance performance in sunny, well drained sites.