Milkshake Coneflower

Milkshake Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Milkshake')

Milkshake Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea 'Milkshake') is a showy, long blooming coneflower prized for frothy, fully double white pompon blooms ringed by neat white rays around a pale green to honey cone. From early summer into fall, sturdy, well branched plants deliver crisp, sunfast color and clean foliage, adding high impact texture to sunny borders, cottage gardens, and patio containers.

Distinctive Features

Large, anemone style centers create a plush, layered look that holds up in heat and strong sun. Flowers open with a hint of lime, maturing to creamy white, then warm ivory, providing depth across the bloom cycle. Strong, weather resistant stems keep flowers upright in wind and rain; abundant buds extend the display for months. Nectar rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, while dried cones add late season texture and natural seed for finches.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering; 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 22 to 30 inches tall and 16 to 22 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plush white blooms create bright accents in mixed borders.
• Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems and full pompons for elegant arrangements.
• Pollinator Gardens: Dependable nectar for bees and butterflies.
• Containers: Compact, upright habit suits patio pots and entry planters.
• Evening & Moon Gardens: White flowers glow in low light for nighttime appeal.

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 stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh new growth.

Why Choose Milkshake Coneflower?

• Plush Double Blooms: Frothy white pompons add luxurious texture.
• Extended Bloom: Months of flowers with minimal care.
• Landscape Tough: Heat and drought tolerant once established.
• Wildlife Friendly: Excellent nectar source and winter seed.
• Design Versatility: Clean white pairs effortlessly with any palette.

Echinacea purpurea 'Milkshake' combines plush, creamy white blooms with sturdy, low maintenance performance, delivering a long lasting, pollinator friendly highlight for sunny landscapes and patio planters.