Sweet Sandia Coneflower

Sweet Sandia Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia')

Sweet Sandia Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia') is a standout, long blooming selection named for its watermelon inspired color pattern. Petals open bright pink to watermelon rose with soft lime to creamy tips around a warm copper cone, delivering months of sunfast, high contrast color on sturdy, well branched plants ideal for sunny borders, meadows, and patio containers.

Distinctive Features

Large daisies show a bicolor effect that stays vivid in heat and full sun, with broad, nearly horizontal rays that read clearly across the garden. Successive buds extend the show for weeks. Nectar rich blooms support bees and butterflies; if left standing, the seed filled cones add winter texture and natural food for finches.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest color and bloom; light afternoon shade is acceptable in very hot climates.
• Soil: Well drained garden soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or lightly rocky sites and tolerates light clay with good drainage.
• 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 18 to 24 inches tall and 16 to 22 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Watermelon pink petals with pale tips create bold accents in mixed borders.
• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable nectar source for bees and butterflies.
• Cut Flowers: Long lasting stems and distinctive color for cheerful arrangements.
• Containers: Compact, upright habit suits patio pots and entry planters.
• Mass Plantings: Plant in drifts for a ribbon of lively 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 stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Why Choose Sweet Sandia Coneflower?

• Eye Catching Bicolor: Watermelon rose petals with pale tips stay vivid in full sun.
• Extended Bloom: Flowers for months with minimal care.
• Tough and Adaptable: Heat and drought tolerant once established.
• Wildlife Friendly: Supports pollinators and provides winter seed.
• Design Versatility: Fits cottage, prairie, and contemporary plantings.

Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia' pairs playful, sunfast color with durable, low maintenance performance, creating a pollinator friendly highlight for sunny, well drained sites.