Prairie Pillars Merlot Coneflower

Prairie Pillars Merlot Coneflower (Echinacea Prairie Pillars 'Merlot')

Prairie Pillars Merlot Coneflower (Echinacea Prairie Pillars 'Merlot') is a tall, long blooming coneflower prized for rich merlot to wine red petals wrapped around a warm copper cone. From early summer into fall, its upright, well branched stems deliver saturated, sunfast color and clean foliage, adding height and drama to sunny borders, meadows, and cutting gardens.

Distinctive Features

Large, velvety petals hold deep red tones without fading, creating a bold, high contrast display above sturdy, weather resistant stems. Continuous bud set sustains months of flowers, while the prominent cones age handsomely, providing late season texture and natural seed for finches. Nectar rich blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest color and sturdy stems; light afternoon shade is acceptable in very hot climates.
• Soil: Well drained garden soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or lightly rocky sites.
• Water: Moderate; water to establish, then allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 30 to 40 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Deep red daisies read clearly across mixed borders.
• Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems and durable petals for dramatic arrangements.
• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable nectar source for bees and butterflies.
• Meadow & Naturalistic Plantings: Pairs well with ornamental grasses and prairie perennials.
• Mass Plantings: Plant in drifts for a ribbon of wine toned summer color.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering once established; avoid chronically wet soils.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to extend flowering; leave some late cones for birds.
• Fertilizing: Light spring feeding with slow release fertilizer or compost.
• Staking: Not required; naturally sturdy, upright stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Why Choose Prairie Pillars Merlot Coneflower?

• Rich, Sunfast Color: Deep merlot petals stay vivid in heat and full sun.
• Extended Bloom: Flowers for months with minimal care.
• Architectural Height: Tall, columnar stems add structure and movement.
• Wildlife Friendly: Excellent nectar source and winter seed.
• Landscape Tough: Heat and drought tolerant once established.

Echinacea Prairie Pillars 'Merlot' combines luxurious, wine toned color with sturdy, low maintenance performance, delivering a long lasting, pollinator friendly highlight for sunny landscapes and productive cutting gardens.