Hot Lava Coneflower

Hot Lava Coneflower (Echinacea 'Hot Lava')

Hot Lava Coneflower (Echinacea 'Hot Lava') is a bold, long blooming coneflower celebrated for molten red orange petals that glow against a dark copper cone. From early summer into fall, sturdy, well branched plants provide saturated, sunfast color and clean foliage, delivering high impact performance in sunny borders, meadows, and patio containers.

Distinctive Features

Wide, slightly reflexed rays open in fiery scarlet orange and mature through ember tones of tangerine and russet for layered, sunset color. Strong, weather resistant stems keep blooms upright in heat and wind, and continuous bud set sustains months of display. Nectar rich flowers draw bees and butterflies; dried cones add texture and natural seed for finches late season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and compact habit; 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 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Lava toned blooms create striking contrast in mixed borders.
• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable nectar source for bees and butterflies.
• Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems and durable petals for vivid bouquets.
• Containers: Upright, uniform habit suits patio pots and entry planters.
• Mass Plantings: Plant in drifts for a ribbon of heat 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 stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Why Choose Hot Lava Coneflower?

• Molten Color: Fiery red orange petals stay vivid in sun and heat.
• Extended Bloom: Flowers for months with minimal care.
• Landscape Tough: Heat and drought tolerant once established.
• Wildlife Friendly: Excellent nectar source and winter seed.
• Strong Habit: Uniform, upright plants for tidy beds and containers.

Echinacea 'Hot Lava' pairs intense, lava toned color with sturdy, low maintenance performance, bringing a long lasting, pollinator friendly highlight to sunny landscapes and patio planters.